The production will head to the London Palladium from the 23rd June.
It has been announced that Jason Manford and Ashley Banjo are set to star in the upcoming run of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium when it returns to the stage later this year.
As well as being a stand-up comedian, Jason Manford’s musical theatre credits include Signor Pirelli in the Olivier-winning production of Sweeney Todd alongside Imelda Staunton & Michael Ball in 2012, Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks’ The Producers across a UK-wide tour and as Caractacus Potts in the family musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He will be playing the role of the Cowardly Lion in this revival of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, making his West End musical debut as the Tin Man, Ashley Banjo is best known as the the founder, creative director and choreographer for the dance group Diversity who found fame in 2009 after winning Britain’s Got Talent.
Further casting has yet 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.
Directed by Nikolai Foster (Billy Elliot The Musical, A Chorus Line), the musical is based on the book by L. Frank Baum and the classic film, featuring the songs from the film as well as additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
The creative team behind the show also includes: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, Magic Consultant is Scott Penrose, Casting Director is Kay Magson CDG, Props Supervisor is Marcus Hall Props, Costume Supervisor is Anna Josephs and Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designer is Elizabeth Marini.
For more information and to book tickets, go to www.wizardofozmusical.com.