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We're off to see the Wizard! Beloved musical set for Southampton

The Wizard of Oz is coming to Mayflower Theatre in 2024 <i>(Image: Marc Brenner)</i>
The Wizard of Oz is coming to Mayflower Theatre in 2024 (Image: Marc Brenner)

BELOVED musical The Wizard of Oz will fly into Southampton next year. 

Direct from a summer residency at the London Palladium from June to September this year, it will embark on a UK tour, heading to Mayflower Theatre from January 16 to 21 following a Christmas season at Liverpool Empire.

Producers are yet to announce what they promise will be a 'star cast'. But comic Jason Manford, previously seen in Southampton in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Producers, and Ashley Banjo, set to star in Mayflower Theatre's pantomime Snow White this Christmas, are to appear in the West End cast.

READ MORE: Dinosaur World Live to roar into Mayflower Theatre in June

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Based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, the show joins Dorothy and Toto on a brilliant adventure as they're blown over the rainbow by a tornado, landing in the strange country of Oz. The Wizard of Oz follows them as they meet a series of beloved characters along the way, including a tin man, a lion, and a scarecrow. The four travel along the yellow brick road, determined to help Dorothy and her little dog get back home.

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We're Off To See the Wizard, this spectacular production will be a magical experience for all the family.

Daily Echo:
Daily Echo:

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice have added lots more songs to the score, including the delightful Bring Me the Broomstick!

Curve's brand new production is directed by Nikolai Foster (Billy Elliot The Musical) and brought to the stage by Michael Harrison, the producer of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Michael Harrison said: "Nikolai Foster and his team have created a new and magical production of this beloved musical, and we can't wait to take the show to Liverpool and then to audiences all around the country as Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion embark on their journey down the Yellow Brick Road.

Daily Echo:
Daily Echo:

Tickets for The Wizard of Oz will go on sale soon from mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.