INTERVIEW: The Wizard of Oz cast set to follow yellow brick road to Lancaster park show

Wednesday, 2 July 2025 09:11

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Lisa Howard, Hope Yolanda, Helen Longworth, Gareth Cassidy, Tori Burgess and Matthew Ganley, with Beyond Radio's Greg Lambert

They're not in Kansas any more but they ARE in Lancaster!

The team from The Wizard of Oz have sat down for an exclusive interview ahead of this year's play in the park.

The much-loved classic tale will be reimagined this summer by The Dukes theatre in the stunning setting of Williamson Park.

The annual open-air walkabout theatre production, which has run since 1987, is expected to pull huge crowds to the park for more than a month of shows.

The cast Hope Yolanda (Dorothy), Helen Longworth (Lion), Gareth Cassidy (Tin Woodsman), Lisa Howard (Wicked Witch), Matthew Ganley (The Wizard), Tori Burgess (Scarecrow), director Elvi Piper and writer Daniel Bye, sat down for a chat in between rehearsals.

LISTEN to the interview here.

In the Dukes' story, Dorothy is desperately searching for fluffy runaway Toto when a storm sweeps her away from her home in Lancaster into a world full of surprises and wonder.

With her new found companions: the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, Dorothy must navigate the curiosities and dangers of Oz, all while staying one step ahead of the Wicked Witch.

Along the way, she'll discover that courage, heart, and wisdom can be found in the most unexpected places.

Shows run from July 18 to August 24.

Tickets available HERE.