Michael Crawford cast in The Wizard of Oz at Palladium

Michael Crawford, has been cast as 'The Wizard' in Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of The Wizard of Oz, which opens at the London Palladium 1 March 2011, following previews from 7 February- booking to 17 Sep 2011

Michael Crawford said, "I didn't hesitate at all when Andrew asked me to take on the role of the Wizard. Working with him and Tim on a brand new production of this timeless classic is so thrilling and I am already looking forward to starting rehearsals later in the year."

Michael Crawford, who was the original Phantom, was last in the West End in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical The Woman in White in 2004. He's also well known as playing the hapless Frank Spencer in the popular 1970s British sitcom, Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.

He joins previously mentioned Winner of BBC's reality show Over The Rainbow Danielle Hope as 'Dorothy'. Sophie Evans, who came second to Danielle Hope in the reality show, will play the role on Tuesdays from 8 March and also on the weeks that Danielle Hope is on holiday 2 May, 5 September & 12 September 2011.

The Wizard of Oz has music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E Y Harburg, with additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice .

It is directed by Jeremy Sams, choreography by Arlene Phillips, designed by Rob Jones. produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Bill Kenwright.

The London Palladium will be transformed into the mythical Emerald City with special effects and scenery to re-tell the real story of Oz.Just one aspect of the elaborate stage design for The Wizard of Oz will be a restoration of the legendary revolving stage.

Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land, helped and hindered by the Witches of Oz, to meet the Wizard and obtain their heart's desires. Songs include: Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Follow the Yellow Brick Road, If I Only Had a Heart and We're Off to See the Wizard.