New Casting Announced for The Wizard of Oz at The Palladium
Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are thrilled to announce that Dianne Pilkington, Louis Gaunt and Christina Bianco will join the cast of The Wizard of Oz this summer. Dianne will play the Wicked Witch of the West, Louis will be the Scarecrow and Christina will play Glinda The Good Witch.
They join the previously announced Jason Manford (the Cowardly Lion), Ashley Banjo (the Tin Man) and Palladium legend Gary Wilmot, who will play The Wizard.
Michael Harrison, the producer of the smash-hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, presents Curve’s brand-new production of one of the world’s most beloved musicals, beginning performances on Friday 23 June (Press Night: Thursday 6 July).
Dianne Pilkington has starred in West End shows including Wicked (as Glinda at Apollo Victoria Theatre) and Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre) and originated the iconic role of Eglantine Price in the world stage premiere of Bedknobs and Broomsticks (National Tour).
Louis Gaunt has West End credits including the title role in last year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk (London Palladium) and Bert in Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre). He can be seen as Lord Lumley in Series 2 of hit series Bridgerton on Netflix.
Christina Bianco is a two-time Drama Desk Award nominee, who made her West End debut starring in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of Forbidden Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre. She captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos gaining over 25 million views.
Further casting is to be announced.
Join Dorothy and Toto on an unforgettable adventure as they are swept over the rainbow to the merry old land of Oz.
Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See the Wizard – with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – this spectacular production will be a magical experience for all the family.
Directed by Nikolai Foster (Billy Elliot The Musical, A Chorus Line) The Wizard of Oz has choreography by Shay Barclay, Set Designer is Colin Richmond, Projection Designer is Douglas O’Connell, Costume and Puppet Designer is Rachael Canning, Lighting Designer is Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer is Adam Fisher, Creative Consultant is Mark Kaufman, Musical Director and Musical Supervisor is George Dyer, Casting Director is Kay Magson CDG, Props Supervisor is Marcus Hall Props and Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designer is Elizabeth Marini.
Follow the yellow brick road next summer to The London Palladium!
Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin with David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Nick Thomas, Rupert Gavin, Mallory Factor & Playing Field by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Limited, present the Curve production of The Wizard of Oz.
LISTINGS
The London Palladium 8 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TF
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg
Additional Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Additional Lyrics by Tim Rice
Adaption by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams
Orchestrations by David Cullen
Orchestrations adapted by George Dyer
From the book by L. Frank Baum
Based Upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Warner Media, and produced with the permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and EMI Music Publishing
Director Nikolai Foster
Choreographer Shay Barclay
Set Designer Colin Richmond
Projection Designer Douglas O’Connell
Costume and Puppet Designer Rachael Canning
Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell
Sound Designer Adam Fisher
Creative Consultant Mark Kaufman
Musical Director and Musical Supervisor George Dyer
Casting Director Kay Magson CDG
Props Supervisor Marcus Hall Props
Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designer Elizabeth Marini
Cast
The Cowardly Lion Jason Manford
Tin Man Ashley Banjo
The Wicked Witch of The West Dianne Pilkington
The Scarecrow Louis Gaunt
Glinda The Good Witch Christina Bianco
The Wizard Gary Wilmot
Further Casting to be announced
Performances
Wednesday – Saturday 7:00pm; Thursday & Saturday matinees 2:00pm; Sunday 1:00pm & 5:00pm
Ashley Banjo will not be appearing in the performances on 19 & 20 July
Jason Manford will not be appearing in the performance on 26 August
