THE WIZARD OF OZ announced for a four week run at The Gillian Lynne Theatre from August 15
Story House
Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are thrilled to announce that The Wizard of Oz will conclude its major UK and Ireland tour with a season in London this summer, playing a strictly limited run of 38 performances only from Thursday 15 August – Sunday 8 September 2024 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Tickets go on general sale Thursday 28 March at 10am.
This new production of the beloved musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, also announces initial casting for London today, as JLS star Aston Merrygold (The Tin Man) and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice finalist The Vivienne (The Wicked Witch of the West) are both confirmed to return to their celebrated roles. Further casting to be announced.
Aston Merrygold and The Vivienne will be joined in the West End by principal company members currently starring in the UK and Ireland touring production, including: Aviva Tulley (Book of Mormon, UK Tour) as Dorothy, Benjamin Yates (ITV’s Emmerdale; Jersey Boys, West End) as The Scarecrow, Nic Greenshields (Love Never Dies West End; Les Misérables West End, International Tour) as The Cowardly Lion and Abigail Matthews as Toto (Bleak Expectations, West End; War Horse, West End).
Producer, Michael Harrison says of today’s announcement: “The Wizard of Oz was seen by an incredible 185,000 people at the London Palladium last summer and is currently smashing box office records on its U.K. tour, so it feels absolutely appropriate that we return this spectacular production to the West End during the summer holidays for 38 performances only, with an incredible cast led by Aston Merrygold and The Vivienne.”
Aston Merrygold will perform at select dates, reprising his London Palladium and touring role as The Tin Man. Aston became known for his incredible stage presence during his time with X Factor-formed band JLS, who went on to sell out countless arena tours and sell over 10 million records, including five Number 1 hits and numerous awards. Whilst the band took a seven-year break, Aston made strides in his career appearing in the West End, on Strictly Come Dancing and releasing his platinum debut single Get Stupid and more recently Sweat, Right Here, Overboard and Share a Coke.
The Vivienne is set to wow the West End as The Wicked Witch of the West following her celebrated performances on tour. The Vivienne is without doubt the UK's No.1 drag superstar, after emerging as the original champion of the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Since then, she has become a huge star both in the UK and internationally appearing on TV regularly and releasing music for fans across the globe. 2022 saw The Vivienne's TV career go global when she appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars All Winners on US TV.
The Wizard of Oz on tour is presented Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin Productions, David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Nick Thomas, Rupert Gavin and Mallory Factor, Jake Hine and Playing Field, by arrangement with the Really Useful Group Ltd. Originally produced at Curve.
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