We’re off to see the Wizard
THE Wizard of Oz, a new musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, tours the UK and Ireland throughout 2024, following a celebrated run at the world-famous London Palladium.
It will open at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking where it plays from May 7 to 12.
Joining previously announced Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood (The Wicked Witch of the West), principal casting is today confirmed: Allan Stewart (Stones in His Pockets) as The Wizard, Aviva Tulley (Book of Mormon) as Dorothy, Benjamin Yates (ITV’s
Emmerdale; Jersey Boys) as The Scarecrow, Nic Greenshields (Love Never Dies; Les Misérables) as The Cowardly Lion, Emily Bull (9 to 5; Matilda) as Glinda The Good Witch and Abigail Matthews as Toto (Bleak Expectations; War Horse).
Allan Stewart (The Wizard) started his career at the age of 10 in the Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow. He appeared in clubs and theatres during his school days, and at the age of 16 wrote and recorded his first single at the Abbey Road studios, with the legendary Beetles producer, George Martin.
Aviva Tulley (Dorothy) trained at
The Brit School and Arts Educational School, London. Recent roles include Erzulie in Once On This Island (Southwark Playhouse) and in concert, Roles We’ll Never Play (Turbine Theatre). She played Nabulungi in the 2022 UK Tour of The Book of Mormon to celebrated reviews.
Craig Revel Horwood is a household name having appeared as a Judge on all 21 series of the hit BBC1 entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing. He also both directs and appears in the annual Strictly Come Dancing Live arena tour. He created the touring show Strictly Confidential,
was Head Judge on Dancing with the Stars New Zealand and is currently Head Judge on Dancing with the Stars Australia.
Craig started his career as a musical theatre performer in Australia, moving to London to appear in many West End musicals including Miss Saigon and Crazy for You. After many years, he returned to the West End starring as Miss Hannigan in Annie, which he also twice successfully toured around the UK. He has starred in pantomime every year with roles including the Wicked Queen in Snow White, Captain Hook in Peter Pan and the Wicked Stepmother
in Cinderella.
Join Dorothy, Toto and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road 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 truly magical experience for all the family.
For more information and to book, go to www.wizardofoz musical.com.