Theatre News

Sophie Evans takes over from Danielle Hope in Wizard of Oz from 7 Feb

| London's West End |

20 January 2012

Sophie Evans, the Welsh runner-up in Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s search for a Dorothy Over the Rainbow will take over in the role from Danielle Hope, Whatsonstage.com can confirm.

Evans, who has been appearing as the alternative Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium on Tuesday evenings and covering Hope’s holidays, will fill the ruby slippers full-time from 7 February. Danielle Hope plays her final show on 5 February 2012.

The Wizard of Oz is currently nominated in four categories at this year’s Whatsonstage.com Awards, including Best Musical Revival and Best Set Designer. Hannah Waddingham, who originated the role of the Wicked Witch of the West at the Palladium is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical whilst Danielle Hope is nominated in the London Newcomer of the Year category.

Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s production of The Wizard of Oz, which opened at the Palladium on 1 March 2011 (previews from February 2011), is directed by Jeremy Sams and choreographed by Arlene Phillips.

Danielle Hope is currently starring as Dorothy alongside Michael Crawford as the Wizard. Crawford will also play his final performance on 5 February with rumours recent Strictly Come Dancing contestant Russell Grant as a possible replacement.

Combining the much-loved songs from the 1939 Oscar-winning film with new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, The Wizard of Oz is currently booking until 28 October 2012.