A THEATRE has revealed its cast for this year’s traditional pantomime in Winchester: The Wizard of Oz.

The panto will be on stage at the Theatre Royal, in Jewry Street, from Saturday, December 3, to Monday, January 2.

The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy who follows the yellow brick road to the magical Land of Oz where she hopes to find the wizard who will help her get home to Kansas. On her way she makes three friends, who also have wishes they hope the wizard will grant.

READ MORE: Five things to do at the Theatre Royal in Winchester this Christmas

This year the lead, Dorothy, is played by Abigail Coy – in her professional debut after recently graduating from Liverpool Theatre School and relocating from Lancashire to London. Abigail will be joined by Max Gallagher as Scarecrow, who has performed across the UK in plays including War Horse, James & the Giant Peach and The History Boys. He has also worked as a lyricist, arranger and musical director/supervisor.

Libby Gore, who starred as the lead role Aladdin last year, appears as Rusty the tinman. Her Winchester debut was in 2019’s Dick Whittington as Fairy Bow Bells, before she returned as Dame Dolly Doughnut and Princess in 2020’s Four Dames in Search of a Panto.

Meanwhile Julian Eardley, the pantomime dame, returns for his 13th pantomime at the theatre and to reprise the role of Lion, which he played in 2009’s Wizard of Oz, as well as appearing as Aunt Em.

SEE ALSO: Hampshire Cultural Trust bans nudes for art exhibitions in Winchester

Finally, Katie Stasi steps into Glinda the Good Witch’s shoes and Ellie McMahon plays the Wicked Witch of the West. Last year Katie graduated from Performance Preparation Academy, in Guildford and in December played the lead role, Dick Whittington, in London’s Stanley Arts Theatre’s first full-scale pantomime. Ellie has played numerous pantomimes roles including Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella as well performing in the West End and with the National Symphony Orchestra and on a cruise ship.

The Wizard of Oz comes from the same team behind previous pantomimes, Dick Whittington and Aladdin. Writer and director James Barry and composer Simon Slater have incorporated jokes, original songs and audience participation. It will also feature support cast members Lewis Galvin, Elizabeth Davis, Holly Gardner-Hall, Jessica Thomas, Hannah Exworth, Lucy Hurt, Peter Lucas, and returning cast members Olivia Day, Maria Webb and Nina Miller.

Accessible performances are available including relaxed, audio-described and BSL-interpreted as well as the ability to watch at home with livestream performances.

For more information or to book tickets visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440. Tickets start from £10.50.