Des O’Connor to Play Title Role in Wizard of Oz at London Palladium

Star of stage, screen, and music Des O’Connor will play the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, at the London Palladium, beginning Tuesday, May 22.

The actor, who also plays the character of Professor Marvel, will join Sophie Evans as Dorothy, Edward Baker-Duly as Tin Man, Martin Callaghan as Lion, Paul Keating as Scarecrow, Emily Tierney as Glinda, and Marianne Benedict as The Wicked Witch of the West.

O’Connor was awarded the CBE in 2008 for his services to entertainment and broadcasting and is widely regarded as one of the UK’s best loved and most respected stars. Since his first TV appearance in 1963 he has starred in his own shows for over 45 years, with his most recent titles including the Des O’Connor Tonight Specials, the award-winning ITV talk show Today with Des and Mel and his interview last year on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, which was the highest-rated of the series. He recently enjoyed a special 80th birthday TV show on ITV, a celebration enjoyed by millions.

He is also a hugely successful music and recording artist, having produced no less than 36 albums, selling over 16 million copies to date, and spending a staggering 117 weeks in the top ten of the charts. On stage, Des has appeared at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, The Sydney Opera House and over 1,000 times at the London Palladium, with his starring role in Oz returning him to a theatre with which he is synonymous.

Click here for more information and The Wizard of Oz tickets.