Des O'Connor to Star as the Wizard in West End The Wizard of Oz

Des O'Connor is set to play Professor Marvel/the Wizard in the West End production of The Wizard of Oz. O'Connor begins his run May 22 at the London Palladium. 

The Wizard of Oz tells the classic story of Dorothy Gale and her adventures in the enchanted land of Oz. In addition to the classic numbers from the 1939 Wizard of Oz film, this production includes new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The musical opened at the London Palladium on March 1, 2011. The show also currently stars Sophie Evans as Dorothy, Edward Baker-Duly as Tin Man, Martin Callaghan as Lion, Paul Keating as Scarecrow, Emily Tierney as Glinda and Marianne Benedict as the Wicked Witch of the West. 

O'Connor is best known as a singer and TV personality who has headlined many of his own specials including Des O'Connor Tonight Specials. He also served as host of Today with Des and Mel. As a recording artist he has sold over 16 million copies of his 36 albums.