The Wizard of Oz cast is coming to the Liverpool Empire.
The new musical, based on the famous story by L. Frank Baum, opens its UK and Ireland tour at the venue following a celebrated run at the world-famous London Palladium. It will be playing an extended festive season from Tuesday, December 13 to Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Liverpool.
The play will see JLS star Aston Merrygold and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice finalist, The Vivienne, playing leading roles in the popular show. Ahead of the show’s opening at the Empire, The Vivienne told the ECHO how she has been preparing for the role of The Wicked Witch of The West “since birth”.
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The 31-year-old former Pride Quarter DJ told the ECHO: “It’s such a special feeling coming to perform in Liverpool, not only to the city, but at the Empire. I’ve seen so many amazing shows here and to be able to be on this stage is so magical. I think there will be an expectation with it being my first musical, but also I know Scousers are the best on the planet, so we’re in for a good night.
“I’ve always been obsessed with evil villains in movies and on stage, I’ve just been drawn to them, so playing one is one of my biggest dreams ever. The audience should expect everything and more, stunning music, jaw-dropping costumes, phenomenal dance routine and an iconic story that will your emotions up the wall.”
The Vivienne first saw the movie at age five and claims they have watched it over 100 times since. She added: “The Wizard of Oz means everything to me, it’s the ultimate story of overcoming adversity. I played The Tin Man at primary school and got to skate to ‘Over The Rainbow’ on Dancing on Ice so it’s fair to say I’ve had a lifelong love affair with the story. Your favourite characters are all there, telling the story you know and love.”
Singer Aston Merrygold will be starring alongside The Vivienne as the Tin Man. The 35-year-old is no stranger to Scouse crowds having performed at the M&S Bank Area alongside bandmates Oritse Williams, Marvin Humes and JB Gill. The dad-of-two also got married to his wife Sarah Lou in Liverpool.
Aston told the ECHO: "Liverpool is a city that honestly has always been so welcoming and is one of my favourites for sure. Preparing for any role takes time and this is a stern character with sparks of warmth, so having to find a balance takes a minute – but I have a great cast and team around me to help me bring it to life."
Following its Christmas season at the Liverpool Empire, complete dates for The Wizard of Oz’s UK and Ireland tour are today confirmed as:
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New Theatre, Oxford
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Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
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New Theatre, Hull
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Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
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Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
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Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh
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Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
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Theatre Royal, Norwich
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Venue Cymru, Llandudno
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Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
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Theatre Royal, Plymouth
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Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol
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Theatre Royal, Nottingham
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Theatre Royal, Newcastle
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Palace Theatre, Manchester
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New Victoria Theatre, Woking
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Grand Opera House, Belfast
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Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin
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Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham
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King's Theatre, Glasgow
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His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
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Milton Keynes Theatre
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Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff
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Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, before concluding its run at the Sunderland Empire next August.
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