Wizard of Oz at Southbank Centre

Many of you know already what a huge fan I am of The Wizard of Oz. My daughter's middle name is Dorothy and she watches the film every day - really! So imagine my delight to discover a fully-staged production of The Wizard of Oz is coming to the Royal Festival Hall this summer from 23 July to 31 August 2008. This is the first time in more than 20 years that a major production of The Wizard of Oz has been staged in London and there will be a host of activities to accompany the production.

London schoolchildren get a weeks' holiday from 26 to 30 May 2008 so here's what's coming up:

• Fun for the Munchkins
  Tuesday 27 May - Friday 30 May
  Come and learn classic songs from the show that include Somewhere Over The Rainbow, We’re Off To See The Wizard and Follow The Yellow Brick Road. Discover how to move like a tin man, cowardly lion or scarecrow and help build your very own Yellow Brick Road.
  The Clore Ballroom, 11am onwards
  Free admission


• Somewhere Over the Rainbow
  Every Friday and Saturday from Friday 25 July – 30 August
  An array of some of the finest and best known singers working today, ranging from musical theatre to jazz, and pop to cabaret, perform specially created sets making reference to the music of Harold Arlen, and in particular The Wizard of Oz.
  The Clore Ballroom, 6-7pm
  Free admission


• Dorothy Nights
  Friday 25 July, 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August
  Step off the yellow brick road into the wilder side of cabaret, celebrating the kitsch, iconic brilliance of The Wizard of Oz. With different hosts every week, Friday night becomes Dorothy Night on the South Bank.
  The Clore Ballroom, 10pm
  Admission free


• For more information: www.followtheyellowbrickroad.co.uk
• Wicked The Musical Review
• Wicked Photo Gallery
• _{Image: © Southbank Centre}