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Cast: Dorothy in Lowry’s Wizard Of Oz

September 5, 2008

After three days of gruelling auditions, The Lowry have selected the lucky lady who will take the coveted role of Dorothy in their 2008 Christmas musical, The Wizard of Oz. 16 year-old Katie Schofield, from Bury, beat 160 other hopefuls to star alongside Lorna Luft, Judy Garland’s daughter. Katie was announced by Lorna as winner of the cherished role live on BBC TV’s North West Tonight last night and will appear in the musical from Sat 29 November 08 – Sun 4 January 09.

Although just 16 years old, Katie has already stepped into Dorothy’s ruby slippers, as she starred in Tottington High School’s production of The Wizard of Oz last year. She also recently tread the boards at The Dancehouse Theatre, Manchester, in The Company’s production of The Rose and The Ring but is delighted to be making her professional debut at The Lowry, “I was really chuffed to have even got down to the final 5 so to win was absolutely incredible! Meeting Lorna was amazing, the whole experience has been completely surreal and I am still in a state of shock!” 

160 hopefuls arrived at The Lowry on Monday 1 September to be put through their paces by judges Viv and Jim Wells, producers of The Wizard of Oz and David Fry, The Lowry’s Head of Theatres programming. After Monday’s first round of singing auditions 50 lucky girls were chosen to take part in the dance auditions on Tuesday, from which 4 finalists were selected. International star, Lorna Luft, daughter of ‘the original Dorothy’ Judy Garland, coached the girls on their singing yesterday and, after much discussion from the judging panel, a final winner was announced live on BBC’s North West Tonight. Producer Viv Wells said, “We are absolutely delighted to find such a talented young actress so close to The Lowry. Girls came to audition from Paris, Glasgow, Somerset and all over, so we’re thrilled to have found Dorothy on our doorstep!”

With magnificent special effects, including a dramatic tornado and a flying witch, Dorothy and Toto are transported from their everyday, monochrome world on the farm in Kansas, to Munchkin City in the colourful land of Oz. Featuring lavish costumes and energetic dance routines, The Wizard of Oz has all the sparkle families have come to expect from Christmas shows produced by The Lowry and Pelé Productions.

Tickets are selling fast and this year, advance sales are the highest ever for a Christmas show at The Lowry, up 50% on last year. The very best family entertainment in the North West also provides really great value for money  with up to 2 children going half price with a full priced adult ticket *.

Tickets for The Wizard of Oz (Sat 29 November 2008 – Sun 4 January 2009) are available on 0870 787 5793 and online bookings via www.thelowry.com

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