The Wizard of Oz is one of the greatest stories of the twentieth century and one that has stood the test of time throughout; first appearing in the novel of 1900 and then becoming immortalised in the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland. To this day it remains a milestone of storytelling and cinematic art so when it returns to the West End, it is certain to attract theatregoers from across the country. If other London theatre productions like “Wicked” are anything to go by – the magical Land of Oz is still as popular as ever.
The upcoming production, which appears at the London Palladium from Spring 2011, is the result of the BBC talent contest to find its stars Dorothy and Toto. Titled “Over the Rainbow”, the show set off on its quest in March 2010 with Andrew Lloyd Webber leading the way. However, it is not the first time that a television show has been used to find the star of a West End musical, with shows like “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?”, “I’d Do Anything” and “Any Dream Will Do” all successfully finding performers for “The Sound of Music”, “Oliver!” and “Joseph” respectively.
But with The Wizard of Oz, audiences will be witnessing the ultimate piece of musical theatre, with some of the best known songs in the world taking centre stage, including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard” amongst the show-stoppers.
These songs help to tell the story of farm girl Dorothy and her dog Toto, whose house is uprooted by a ferocious Tornado and transported to the magical Land of Oz. But when she realises that she is not in Kansas anymore she also discovers that her house has crushed and killed the Wicked Witch of the East, immediately creating conflict with the Wicked Witch of the West. But all Dorothy wants is to return home and she sets off along the Yellow Brick Road to Emerald City, where the Wizard of Oz can help her in her quest. On her journey, she also teams up with a Scarecrow who needs of a brain, a Tin Man who needs of a heart and a Lion who needs courage.
The Wizard of Oz is at the London Palladium and begins its anticipated run from Tuesday 29th March 2011.
Venue Information
Venue
London Palladium
Argyll Street
London
W1F 7TF
Travel
Underground: Oxford Circus (Central/Victoria/Bakerloo lines) Exit via Argyll Street. Turn left (away from Oxford Street). Palladium is 50 metres on the left.
Rail: Charing Cross - Bakerloo line north/west to Oxford Circus, Kings Cross/St Pancras - Victoria line south/west to Oxford Circus, Paddington - Bakerloo line south/east to Oxford Circus, Victoria - Victoria line north to Oxford Circus, Liverpool Street - Central line west to Oxford Circus, Marylebone - Bakerloo line south/east to Oxford Circus, Waterloo - Bakerloo line north/west to Oxford Circus
Parking: NCP Cavendish Square, Kingly Street. Please note that parking in central London can be difficult and expensive. If possible please use public transport.
Access
Wheelchairs: Alternative entrance off Ramillies Place, at the back of the theatre. Please call 0870 906 3838 for more information.
