Cast announced for Wizard of Oz at Eastwood Park Theatre

Eastwood Park Theatre has announced its pantomime cast for The Wizard of Oz, which takes to the stage for almost sixty shows from 25 November - 30 December.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 30 September 2022 12:21

The line up features Scottish talent who have trained and performed across the UK, as Spillers Pantomimes returns to the Giffnock theatre for a second year.

25-year-old Alex Rea, from Lanark, secured the role of Dorothy after wowing panto producers during her audition. Alex trained at the University of Chichester and the International College of Musical Theatre and already has a string of theatre, film and music credits to her name.

Alex said: “I'm thrilled and extremely grateful for the opportunity to perform back on home soil as part of the Spillers cast - there really is no place like home! I'm excited for my journey along the yellow brick road at Eastwood Park Theatre and can't wait for audiences to see what we have in store this panto season.”

Alex will be joined on her journey to the Emerald City by Alan Mirren, who plays the Tin Man, Liam Webster who seeks courage as the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow, played by Jamie Lemetti. The trio are reuniting for the second year in a row, having performed the roles at Motherwell Theatre last year.

Scottish actor Garry King returns to take on the role of The Wizard of Oz in this year's panto production and will co-direct Eastwood Park Theatre's panto for the second year running. Garry, who trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, has been a permanent fixture on the UK pantomime scene for a number of years. Garry's dog Sandra, a three-year-old highland maltie, will join the team as Dorothy's faithful dog, Toto.

Stephen McLaughlin, from Cambuslang, will take on the villainous role of the Wicked Witch. Stephen, who graduated from the Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre in 2019, has played a number of roles in a variety of productions and is also known by his drag stage name, Bonnie Banks. The Good Witch will be played by Kate Richards.

The panto's head dancer will be Emma Willis Richards. Emma has performed in pantomimes since she was nine years old and has pursued a professional career on stage, graduating from Performers College in 2019.

The cast will be supported on stage by talented junior performers who will take on the role of the Munchkins. The rising stars come from a range of dance and theatre schools including Eastwood Park Theatre Juniors, Go Kids Scotland, Karen Burns School of Dance, Fab Stars School of Dance and East Kilbride Stagecoach.

Anthony McReavy from East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure added: “We're excited to announce the cast for The Wizard of Oz and can't wait for them to grace our stage at Eastwood Park Theatre. Thousands came to sell-out shows last year and this year, we're planning an even bigger panto production, with a magical journey along the yellow brick road to Oz. Panto season is fast approaching so book your tickets now!”

British Sign Language and relaxed performances will be available.

Tickets for The Wizard of Oz are on sale now priced from £12 with Family tickets available from £50 via www.ercultureandleisure.org or call the Eastwood Park Theatre box office on 0141 577 4956.

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