Since 1999

Trusted News & Reviews

25

years

best of british theatre

Official
tickets

Pick
your seats

Since 1999

25 years

Official tickets

Pick seats

Full casting for Wizard Of Oz at The Rep in Birmingham

Published on

September 15, 2018

By

markludmon

Full casting had been announced for Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s revival of the stage version of The Wizard of Oz this Christmas.

The 16-strong cast will be led by Chisara Agor as Dorothy, Kelly Agbowu as the Lion and Zeke, Shanay Holmes as Glinda and Aunt Em, Lorna Laidlaw as The Wizard and Professor Marvel, Dillon Scott-Lewis as Tin Man and Hickory, Jos Vantyler as the Wicked Witch and Miss Gulch, Thomas Vernal as Uncle Henry and Oz guard, and Ed Wade as Scarecrow and Hunk.

The Oz company will also feature Rhys Batten, Jade Davies, Luke Fraser Yates, Zak Nemorin, Kerri Norville, Elisha Sherman, Emily Squibb and Ben Thompson. The cast will be completed by local dogs taking on the role of Dorothy's loveable companion, Toto.

Directed by Liam Steel, the show will run at The Rep from 24 November 2018 to 13 January 2019. It will be designed by Angela Davies with costume and puppet designs by Samuel Wyer, lighting design by Nick Richings and sound design by Paul Groothius.

With George Dyer as musical director, it is filled with the songs of composer Harold Arlen and lyricist EY Harburg which have become timeless classics since the classic 1939 film. This new production uses the book written by John Kane for the 1987 Royal Shakespeare Company stage adaptation, based on both the film and L Frank Baum’s original novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It features additional background music by Herbert Stothart.

Steel said: “The Wizard of Oz is a story packed with memorable moments and marvellous music, but at its heart is a journey of self-discovery. I can't wait to explore this in the rehearsal room with a great company of actors as we bring a fresh, authentic take, and a bit of sass, to this glorious musical.”

Announcing the show earlier this year, The Rep’s artistic director Roxana Silbert said: “The Wizard of Oz is such a great show that's perfect for fans of the film and musicals alike. With a glorious cast of characters including a wicked witch and a tail-wagging Toto, a stunning setting, fabulous music and a sprinkling of Rep magic, it's got all the vital ingredients for a wonderful Christmas show for everyone.”

BOOK NOW FOR THE WIZARD OF OZ AT BIRMINGHAM REP

The BritishTheatre.com website was created to celebrate the rich and diverse theatrical culture of the United Kingdom. Our mission is to provide the latest UK theatre news, West End reviews, and insights into both regional theatre and London theatre tickets, ensuring enthusiasts can stay up to date with everything from the biggest West End musicals to cutting-edge fringe theatre. We are passionate about encouraging and nurturing the performing arts in all their forms.

The spirit of theatre is alive and thriving, and BritishTheatre.com is at the forefront of delivering timely, authoritative news and information to theatre lovers. Our dedicated team of theatre journalists and critics works tirelessly to cover every production and event, making it easy for you to access the latest reviews and book London theatre tickets for must-see shows.