Jason Manford will reprise his turn as the Cowardly Lion for a two-week run of The Wizard Of Oz when it appears at the Manchester Palace next spring (April 24-May 5). The Salford-born comedian had rave reviews for the role at the London Palladium this summer, though isn't otherwise joining the UK tour.
He said: "I’m delighted to be returning to the Wizard of Oz next year at the Palace. The show's a real treat for all the family - audiences can expect the story they know and love with a modern twist and incredible staging. We can’t wait to transport the people of Manchester to the Emerald City.”
Manford - also at Manchester's Opera House (December 2-31) in Jack and the Beanstalk - will join comedian Allan Stewart, who will play the Wizard. Stewart has been a top Scottish entertainer and singer since he was in his teens, starting as a pop artist before moving into comedy and TV. The star of many Scottish TV shows and series, he is also an experienced stage and musicals star.
They join the previously-announced RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice finalist The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West; Aviva Tulley as Dorothy; Benjamin Yates as The Scarecrow; Emily Bull as Glinda The Good Witch and Abigail Matthews as Toto.
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, the show has additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
More info and tickets here