Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz has confirmed that it will close at the London Palladium on September 2nd 2012.  Since opening last March in the West End, the show has proved to be popular with fans of the film. Danielle Hope, winner of the BBC talent search ‘Over the Rainbow’ was the ‘people’s Dorothy’ as she opened the show wearing the infamous ruby slippers. Her alternate and successor Sophie Evans took over the role full time earlier this year, and has gone on to be a very popular Dorothy. Throughout the run the show has seen three different Wizards of Oz, staring with Michael Crawford who originated the role. He was replaced earlier this year with TV personality Russell Grant for a limited period. Des O’Connor currently stars as the Wizard and will see out the end of the show’s run.

Next up at the London Palladium is expected to be a short run of a Christmas musical, filling the gap before the long rumoured production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory takes over the theatre from March 2013. Productions of ‘Scrooge’ and ‘White Christmas’ have been rumoured to fill the gap, but no official announcement has been made.

This new production of The Wizard of Oz will live on around the world, and is thought to become the official licensed version. The show will open in Canada in December 2012 at Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre following a similar televised search to find a Dorothy and Toto. Tickets are still available for performances in London up until September 2nd, and can be purchased at discount rates from the search bar to the side of the page.