Gary Wilmot to join ‘The Wizard of Oz’ cast at the London Palladium

The West End actor will play the Wizard in the fantasy musical, alongside Jason Manford and Ashley Banjo as the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man respectively.

We’re off to see the wizard! Gary Wilmot will join The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium this summer, with previews from 23 June, ahead of an opening night on 6 July, and performances to 3 September.

Wilmot will play the title role and Professor Marvel. He previously took on the Wizard role in Wicked, the prequel musical to The Wizard of Oz. He's also played Jethro in the world premiere of The Prince of Egypt, as well as the dame character in numerous pantomimes at the London Palladium.

He joins Jason Manford as the Cowardly Lion and Ashley Banjo as the Tin Man, with further casting to be announced.

The Wizard of Oz follows Kansas teenager Dorothy and her dog Toto. When a tornado sweeps the pair to the fantasy land, Dorothy journeys down Oz's yellow brick road with a tin man, a lion, and a scarecrow, all in the hopes of returning home.

The musical features songs from the Judy Garland-starring 1939 film, including "Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice penned additional songs, such as "Red Shoes Blues" and "Farewell to Oz."

Nikolai Foster directs, with choreography by Shay Barclay, set design by Colin Richmond, costume and puppet design by Rachael Canning, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, and sound design by Adam Fisher.

The Wizard of Oz is at the London Palladium.

Photo credit: Gary Wilmot (Photo courtesy of production)