Wizard of Oz Returns To The West End for limited summer season

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 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 as Dorothy, Benjamin Yates as The Scarecrow, Nic Greenshields as The Cowardly Lion and Abigail Matthews as Toto.

Producer, Michael Harrison:

“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 on 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 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.

To book tickets for the London season, and for information about specific casting go to www.wizardofozmusical.com.

The Wizard of OZ, Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PW, Thursday 15 August – Sunday 8 September 2024

Aston Merrygold will appear as The Tin Man on all dates with the exception of: Tues 20, Sat 24, Tue 27 and Sat 31 August. Femi Akinfolarin will play all other dates.

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.