Andrew visits Cardiff for a special announcement about Sophie Evans

Andrew visited Cardiff today with Bill Kenwright to make a special announcement: Sophie Evans will play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at selected performances at The London Palladium next year.

Sophie, who was the runner up to winner Danielle Hope in the BBC series Over the Rainbow, will play Dorothy every Tuesday evening, and throughout the weeks of 2nd May, 5th September and 12th September, when Danielle is away.

Andrew said, “I am thrilled that Sophie will be joining Danielle and the cast to play her dream role of Dorothy. She is a huge talent and I am very excited to see what she will bring to the role.”

Sophie and Andrew met the media at the Wales Millennium Centre and Sophie sang the iconic song ‘Over the Rainbow’ from The Wizard of Oz, accompanied by Andrew.

Andrew is also helping Sophie to continue her training, funding her on a year-long musical theatre training course starting in September at the Arts Educational School.

The new production of The Wizard of Oz plays at The London Palladium from 7th February 2011. Sophie will begin her role on the 8th March.

Performances of  The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium will be Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 3pm. Performances from 7th February – 5th March will follow a Monday to Saturday schedule – please check the website for detailed performance schedules.

Tickets, priced from £25.00 – £62.50 are available from The London Palladium Box Office on 0844 412 2957 or online from www.wizardofozthemusical.com.