The Wizard of Oz

A fully-staged production of The Wizard of Oz directed by Jude Kelly.

Cast includes Sian Brooke as Dorothy, Roy Hudd as the Wizard and Gary Wilmot as the Cowardly Lion.

This is the first time in more than 20 years that a major production of The Wizard of Oz has been staged in London.

Southbank Centre will be producing the RSC stage version of the story, first shown in London in 1987, which closely follows the original classic MGM film from 1939, starring Judy Garland. The film was based on Frank Baum's fairy tale book, published in 1900.

To celebrate the run of the show plans are underway to transform Southbank Centre into a 21st-century 'emerald city' with the Royal Festival Hall bathed at night in magical green lighting and a yellow brick road guiding visitors to the site.

The production will have a cast of 30, with all of the familiar characters on stage: Dorothy, the Scarecrow who needs a brain, the Tin Man who wants a heart, the cowardly Lion who desperately needs some courage and, of course, the Wicked Witch of the West. With live music from a 20-piece band, Arlen and Harburg's classic songs Somewhere Over The Rainbow, We're Off to See The Wizard and Follow The Yellow Brick Road will transport audiences to a land of munchkins, magic, music and song. The set and costumes will be designed by Michael Vale, Associate Artist at Southbank Centre.