THE WIZARD OF OZ

Danielle Hope who won Andrew Lloyd Webber’s reality show Over the Rainbow will play the lead of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. You can hear her sing Over the Rainbow which is the charity single which has just been released by clicking on the the image to your right.

This new musical is “totally reconceived” with new songs written by Lord Lloyd Webber to add extra colour to the story as it moves from film to stage. The London Palladium will be turned into the Emerald City and the revolving stage which was so famously used at the end of Sunday Night at the London Palladium will be restored.

The story is about a girl called Dorothy who is rendered unconscious in a whirlwind and at her home in Kansas where she lives with her aunt, uncle and dog Toto. She and Toto wake up in Munchkinland to meet a Scarecrow, Tin Man and a Cowardly Lion.

Together they follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City in search of the famous Wizard of Oz who they have been told they can grant them their deepest wishes: Dorothy to get back home, the Scarecrow wants to get a brain, the Tin Man a heart and the Cowardly Lion wants some courage.

On the way they encounter Good and Evil witches which help and hinder their search. Glinda is the Good Witch of the North and gives Dorothy the special ruby slippers which play such a huge part in the storyline.

If you want to find out more about the witches, then Wicked! the musical at the Apollo Victoria Theatre starring Lee Mead as Fiyero tells the untold story of an unlikely friendship between the green wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and the Good Witch of the North (Glinda).

The creative team will be same as for Lloyd Webber’s The Sound of Music with Jeremy Sams directing, designed by Robert Jones and choreographed by Arlene Phillips.

The Wizard of Oz is suitable for audiences of all ages.

Danielle Hope is not guaranteed to play the following performances: Monday 14th February, Monday 21st February and all Tuesdays from the 8th March.

Danielle Hope's holidays are confirmed as: Weeks commencing 2nd May: 5th September and 12th September

STOP PRESS: Sophie Evans who was the runner up to Danielle in the BBC series Over the Rainbow will play Dorothy every Tuesday evening from 8th March, and throughout the weeks of 2nd May, 5th September and 12th September, when Danielle is away.

You can book tickets here for the Wizard of Oz which is currently booking from 7th February to Sunday 04th September 2011. Press night is 1st March.

PREVIEW PERFORMANCE TIMES (7th-28th February2011):

Monday, Wednesday – Saturday at 19:30 / Tuesday at 19:00 / Wednesday & Saturday matinees at 14:30. (First Wednesday matinee 16th February & First Saturday matinee 19th February)

Performance Times from 1st March: Tuesday at 19:00, Wednesday-Saturday 19:30. Matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 14:30 and Sunday at 15:00

London Palladium
Argyll Street,
London, W1F 7TF

Click on map to enlarge image

	Tube : Oxford Circus Train:   Charing Cross
	1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, 16A, 23, 25, 53, 73
	This theatre participates in the Theatreland Parking Scheme - find out more about the great discounts offered by clicking on the link.

DISABLED ACCESS TO THE WIZARD OF OZ

	Infra-red system with headsets. Induction loop at Box Office. Headsets available in foyer.
	Guide dogs are permitted inside the auditorium
	Please contact the Theatre Manager on arrival. Access is via the Box Office (ramp) at the front of the theatre in Argyll Street and then by wheelchair lift down to the Stalls bar. Alternative entrance off Ramillies Place, at the back of the theatre. Four spaces for wheelchair users at L46, O48, Q48 and S49. Companions can sit in same row. Transfer seating available to aisle seats.
	Adapted toilet on the right inside entrance in Ramillies Place.  Access also from the stalls bar.