Over The Rainbow – Tickets
May 24, 2010
The show will start performances on 29 March 2011 at the London Palladium (CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS). Sister Act is currently playing at the theatre.
Sign up here for further news, casting and ticketing information on The Wizard Of Oz.
Lord Webber has been searching for a lucky newcomer to star in the show in BBC One’s Over The Rainbow, and the winner has now been announced as DANIELLE HOPE, 18 years old from Greater Manchester. She will pop on the ruby slippers and star as Dorothy at the London Palladium for a magical new production of the show.
The first stage version of L Frank Baum’s classic book was in 1902 starring Anna Laughlin. The 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland is the most famous version of the show, and was adapted into a stage musical in 1945 by Frank Gabrielson for the St. Louis Municipal Opera. In 1987 the RSC produced a new stage musical version which was much closer to the film, and starred Imelda Staunton as Dorothy, who was nominated for an Olivier award for Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical.
Andrew Lloyd Webber will look to add some new songs to the stage show: “The film worked fantastically but we need some new songs for the stage show”, said Lloyd Webber.
BOOK TICKETS TO THE WIZARD OF OZ AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE WIZARD OF OZ:
Advice on staging productions of The Wizard of Oz
About the first (1902) stage play of The Wizard of Oz
History of stage productions of The Wizard of Oz
Wizard of Oz – Stage adaptations
The screenplay of the classic MGM film
Website celebrating The Wizard of Oz – including a FAQs section
Danielle Hope wins role of Dorothy
May 23, 2010
Newcomer Danielle Hope has won Over The Rainbow to star as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz
Danielle Hope, winner of Over The Rainbow
An 18-year-old student from Greater Manchester has won the BBC One talent show Over The Rainbow, winning the star role of Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s multi-million pound production of The Wizard of Oz.
In a closely fought final show, Danielle won the right to wear Dorothy’s ruby slippers against 17-year-old Sophie Evans from south Wales.
The new production of the classic musical will be staged in March 2011 at the London Palladium.
Last night’s final also saw the part of Dorothy’s dog Toto cast for the West End show, with Mini Schnauzer “Dangerous Dave” winning the part.
Danielle said last night: “All I can say is thank you, it feels like not enough but I am just so grateful.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber, judge on the show and producer of the West End musical, said that, “you’re the most fantastic, talented kid with a huge future ahead. Now the hard work starts”.
Danielle is a a full-time student in Knutsford, and recently quit her part time job as a waitress to focus on her studies and her dream of becoming a renowned entertainer and Broadway performer.
Her big passion is drama, but she has danced in front of large audiences at local dance festivals, including BBC African Dance Project at Bridgewater Hall, and the Dance House Annual Cheshire Platform. Danielle takes dance classes at least six times a week to hone her skills.
Book tickets to The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium
DANIELLE HOPE in The Wizard of Oz
May 17, 2010
DANIELLE HOPE FINISHES IN THE WIZARD OF OZ ON 5 FEBRUARY 2012
Danielle Hope, star of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium
The final of Over The Rainbow saw Danielle Hope become the winning Dorothy to star in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s multi-million pound new production of classic musical The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium.
17 year old Danielle from Greater Manchester is a full-time student in Knutsford, and recently quit her part time job as a waitress to focus on her studies and her dream of becoming a renowned entertainer and Broadway performer.
Danielle’s family are very large and spread out, but are very supportive of her. They try to remain realistic about her career choices as she gets into the notoriously difficult show-business industry, but they’re always there to cheer her on – especially her Nanna.
Her big passion is drama, but she has danced in front of large audiences at local dance festivals, including BBC African Dance Project at Bridgewater Hall, and the Dance House Annual Cheshire Platform. Danielle takes dance classes at least six times a week to hone her skills.
Book tickets to The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium
Final set for Over The Rainbow
May 17, 2010
Three contestants named in final of Over The Rainbow in bid to play Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz
And then there were three. The winner of Over The Rainbow, to find a Dorothy to star in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz, will be announced this Saturday 22 May on BBC One. The climax of a long search to find the new star of the show will start at 7pm, with the results show on the same evening at 8.55pm.
In a tense semi-final on Sunday, Steph Fearon, 21 , from London was evicted from the show. That leaves Lauren Samuels, 22, from London, Sophie Evans, 17, from Wales and Danielle Hope, 17, from Greater Manchester battling it out in final.
The judges were unanimous when asked who “wasn’t Dorothy”, with all three saying Steph.
Each of the girls had to sing a pop song in the semi-final to prove their versatility. Steph sang Rule The World by Take That. On Steph’s performance John said: “I’ve always said I’m looking for a triple threat, and of all the girls left you are definitely that girl. You came to your first audition with a flower on your face for luck. It takes more than luck to make it in this industry, it takes talent and a break. You’ve got the talent and I hope that the public give you a break.”
Charlotte said: “Outstanding vocal performance… it was a man’s song and a classic – so hard to bring something new to it. I love the colour of your voice in the lower register, it could be great for Dorothy.”
Sheila added: “Great – as far as the lyrics go, I don’t know what it all means, but you made it sound like something.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “You did very well with a difficult song, a pop song. I would have played it a bit more innocently as that’s what we are looking for with Dorothy.”
THE FINAL THREE FINALISTS
Before announcing who was in the bottom two, Graham asked each panel member who “wasn’t Dorothy”. The panel were united in their decision, all three saying “Steph.”
Steph and Lauren gained the least amount of public votes, and had to sing a rendition of Another Suitcase In Another Hall from Evita. Then it was up to Andrew Lloyd Webber alone to choose which Dorothy should be saved for another performance.
Andrew said: “I’m glad it’s the last time I have to make this decision. I know you all so well now, it’s like family. I feel dreadful that I have to take a decision on who is best for Dorothy. I’m going to save Lauren.”
On hearing the announcement, Steph said: “I had the best time of my life. I’ve made friends for life. I’ve learnt so much. Thanks to everyone backstage – you’re all amazing. I’ve had the time of my life.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s multi-million pound new production of the classic musical will start performances on 29 March 2011 at the London Palladium in the West End. The show will feature a number of new songs specially written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who said recently that, “the film worked fantastically but we need some new songs for the stage show”. The creative team will consist of direction by Jeremy Sams, design by Robert Jones and choreography by Arlene Phillips.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group will produce the musical.
Sister Act is currently playing at the theatre, and will now finish at the Palladium on 30 October 2010. It is currently looking for a new West End home.
Book tickets to The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium
Read more about Over The Rainbow
The Wizard of Oz goes on sale
May 9, 2010
Tickets to the The Wizard of Oz have officially gone on sale.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s multi-million pound new production of the classic musical will start performances on 29 March 2011 at the London Palladium in the West End.
The major new show will star the winner of BBC One’s Over the Rainbow, which is currently searching for a Dorothy to appear in the musical
The show will feature a number of new songs specially written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who said recently that, “the film worked fantastically but we need some new songs for the stage show”. The creative team will consist of direction by Jeremy Sams, design by Robert Jones and choreography by Arlene Phillips.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group will produce the musical.
Sister Act is currently playing at the theatre, and will now finish at the Palladium on 30 October 2010. It is currently looking for a new West End home.
Lord Webber is currently searching for a lucky newcomer to star in the show, in BBC One’s Over The Rainbow. Five contestants remain – Lauren Samuels, Jessica Robinson, Danielle Hope, Sophie Evans and Steph Fearon.
His company owns the London Palladium alongside a number of theatres in London including the Adelphi, where he recently launched his follow-up to The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies.
Lloyd Webber said: “We are incredibly excited to be adapting The Wizard of Oz for the stage and re-telling this all-time classic family story. I have long been a huge fan of the original movie, the songs and characters and am really looking forward to bringing it to life again.”
Book tickets to The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium
Read more about Over The Rainbow
The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium
May 1, 2010
The show will start performances on 29 March 2011 at the London Palladium (CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS). Sister Act is currently playing at the theatre.
Sign up here for news, casting and ticketing information on The Wizard Of Oz.
Lord Webber has been searching for a lucky newcomer to star in the show in BBC One’s Over The Rainbow, and the winner has now been announced as DANIELLE HOPE, 18 years old from Greater Manchester. She will pop on the ruby slippers and star as Dorothy at the London Palladium for a magical new production of the show.
The first stage version of L Frank Baum’s classic book was in 1902 starring Anna Laughlin. The 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland is the most famous version of the show, and was adapted into a stage musical in 1945 by Frank Gabrielson for the St. Louis Municipal Opera. In 1987 the RSC produced a new stage musical version which was much closer to the film, and starred Imelda Staunton as Dorothy, who was nominated for an Olivier award for Outstanding Performance of the Year by an Actress in a Musical.
Andrew Lloyd Webber will look to add some new songs to the stage show: “The film worked fantastically but we need some new songs for the stage show”, said Lloyd Webber.
BOOK TICKETS TO THE WIZARD OF OZ AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE WIZARD OF OZ:
Advice on staging productions of The Wizard of Oz
About the first (1902) stage play of The Wizard of Oz
History of stage productions of The Wizard of Oz
Wizard of Oz – Stage adaptations
The screenplay of the classic MGM film
Website celebrating The Wizard of Oz – including a FAQs section
Lloyd-Webber stalls Broadway LND
April 7, 2010
The Broadway opening of Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom sequel, has been officially postponed.
In a statement, the producers of the Broadway show said that the premiere will be delayed for several months, until around Spring 2011, whilst Lord Webber deals with “post-operative problems” from his treatment for prostate cancer.
He is currently starring in BBC One talent show Over The Rainbow to find a new Dorothy to star in a multi-million pound West End production of The Wizard of Oz.
Love Never Dies, which continues to do well at the box-office at the Adelphi Theatre in London, got mixed reviews when it opened last month. Ben Brantley, the chief theatre critic of the New York Times, was especially critical, which may also have been a factor in delaying the Broadway production whilst tweaks are made. A number of unconfirmed reports have cited that Lloyd Webber is unhappy with some key elements of the show including the opening and a new entrance for the Phantom.
The statement from the Broadway producers is as follows:
The Broadway premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LOVE NEVER DIES will open at the Neil Simon Theatre in the Spring of 2011.
The original opening date, planned for November 2010, was set before Lloyd Webber was diagnosed with prostate cancer last fall. Although the cancer has been eradicated, there have been post-operative problems. These have been aggravated by recent air travel and Lloyd Webber’s doctors have requested that he does not take any further long-haul flights for the time being and until the problem has been investigated. This prevents him attending auditions and being part of the pre-production process in New York on the original schedule
Andrew Lloyd Webber is currently appearing in the BBC television series, “Over the Rainbow,” in which he is looking to cast the lead role of Dorothy for his new production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Andrew performs weekly on live British television which was also a commitment undertaken before the prostate cancer was diagnosed. This complication, together with the doctors’ advice, has made it impossible to keep to the original Broadway schedule for LOVE NEVER DIES. Therefore, the decision has been made to move “The Wizard of Oz” forward in London and to schedule the Broadway premiere of LOVE NEVER DIES for 2011 thus allowing Andrew the freedom to travel to New York and oversee the audition and rehearsal process later in the year.
The Spring 2011 date for LOVE NEVER DIES takes into account the schedules of Jack O’Brien (director) and Jerry Mitchell (choreographer) and the rest of show’s creative team. The Nederlander Organization is holding the Neil Simon Theatre for the production on Broadway, and casting, group sales and single ticket sales will start later this year.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said “I am extremely frustrated that I cannot travel to New York for the time being. I will be focusing my time on producing “The Wizard of Oz” in London now, and plan to be available for the creative process of bringing LOVE NEVER DIES to Broadway as soon as possible. I’m grateful that Jack and Jerry’s schedules can allow me to do this juggling act.”
The West End production of LOVE NEVER DIES opened on March 9, 2010 and continues to play to packed houses at the Adelphi Theatre. The album of the show is number one in various territories in the West and in Asia and will be released in the US later this year. The planned roll-out of the production to Australia and Asia later in 2011 is unaffected.
Over The Rainbow – Interviews
March 25, 2010
JUDGE: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
Following the success of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, I’d Do Anything and Any Dream Will Do, Andrew Lloyd Webber is back to trawl the length and breadth of the UK for performers with extraordinary talent.
One of the richest men in the UK, the 61-year-old composer has written some of the greatest musicals of all time including The Phantom Of The Opera, Cats, Evita, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, Sunset Boulevard, The Woman In White and Aspects Of Love – and recently launched his new musical Love Never Dies.
What are you looking for in a Dorothy?
“I think this is our toughest challenge yet. Our Dorothy has to be young and rebellious and funny. She has to be a great actress with a great sense of humour and be able to sing brilliantly. She also has to be capable of holding centre-stage – she’s virtually never off-stage during the whole show. And that’s before I even get to the real list of qualities I’m looking for! She doesn’t have to be conventionally beautiful. The main thing she has to do is break your heart. The show is about a bored teenager from Kansas who wants to get away from home, but ends up discovering that home is where the heart is. Our Dorothy has to take us on that journey. It would be fabulous if we found a modern version of Judy Garland.”
Why are these programmes so successful?
“These shows have genuinely struck a chord with people. It really works when TV audiences can identify with the role you’re casting. People also love the fact that they feel part of the process of choosing a performer for something they can actually go and see. People know that the girl who wins Over The Rainbow will be on stage and they’ll be able to see her for the next 18 months, or whatever. Because of that, people invest more and take the voting far more seriously.”
And have they had much impact on the West End?
“There was one moment last year when all five finalists from I’d Do Anything had lead roles in West End musicals. They were in five different shows that I had nothing to do with! That was an extraordinary moment. There has been a complete sea change over the past four years. That struck me with a vengeance when I was at the auditions for Over The Rainbow. When we did How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? four years ago, very few young people aspired to do musical theatre, but now 16-year-old kids are desperate to be in these shows. There are now at least 10,000 kids who aspire to be on the musical theatre stage. They’ve also acquired a lot of great skills. Watching them audition now, that immediately hits one in the gut. The fact is, these programmes have turned a whole generation on to musical theatre. And it’s not just musical theatre that has benefited. The West End overall has had its best ever season three years in a row since we started doing these programmes. I’m on the ground floor, and I’ve seen it happen. It’s a whole new ball game now – and I couldn’t be happier about it!”
Do you get on with Graham Norton?
“Graham and I both want the same thing – which is the best for the artists. He gets even more upset than I do when one has to leave the show. Graham is one of the wittiest people I know, but he’s also prepared to play a lead in a West End show, La Cage Aux Folles. Certain presenters are unlikely to be cast as West End leads. But it shows Graham’s love of performing. He understands things from the performers’ point of view.”
You are a famous cat lover? Are you enjoying searching for a Toto for your new show?
“All these Totos have been thrust in my direction. As a cat man, it’s been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do!”
Finally, this is your fourth show for the BBC. Are you still enjoying the experience?
“I don’t sit there in the TV studio with some grand strategy, I’m there because I love it. I’m delighted to be there because I think we’ve helped make musical theatre cool again.”
PRESENTER: GRAHAM NORTON
46-year old presenter Graham Norton is presiding over the fourth in a successful run of searches for new musical theatre stars – having already presented How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything. He presents a chat show for the BBC and in January last year made his West End debut as Albin in the musical La Cage Aux Folles.
How does this search differ from the others?
“It’s the biggest challenge we’ve ever set the public. Dorothy is such an iconic role, and it’s so difficult to get beyond the associations with Judy Garland – no one has ever come close.”
How do people auditioning compare to previous years?
“The standard is phenomenally high, I’m really impressed by the overall level. Everyone who’s gone through can really sing – it’s quite extraordinary. We’re now down to the last 50, and there is not a single dud among them. No one out of the final 110 was bad – they could all do it. Finding the best 50 was really hard. As we told some of them, ‘I’m afraid you’re not going to Dorothy Farm,’ they would sob. We had to remind them: ‘Look, you’re really good. Thousands of people went for this and you got down to the last 100 or so!’”
We hear a lot of young people have auditioned this year.
“We had a lot of 16-year-olds. I worried beforehand that they might not be able to handle it – I remember what I was like at 16 and I would never have been able to cope at that age. But I needn’t have worried. We had call-backs at the Hackney Empire, which is a massive 2,000-seat theatre. These tiny girls were walking out on stage in this big, gaping cavern and saying, ‘this is my dream,’ before performing brilliantly. They were so self-possessed. They were just 12 when these shows started back in 2006, and now they’re starring in them!”.
Has that changed the tone of this year’s show?
“The vibe on this show has been much nicer. Because a lot of older women auditioned to play Nancy, there was a much stronger whiff of despair on I’d Do Anything. If someone is 40, they may not have many more opportunities left to make it in musical theatre. But if someone is 17, it’s much easier to say goodbye to them because you know they’ll have hundreds more opportunities.”
What kind of Dorothy would you cast?
“The winner will require a great range of characteristics. She will have to be innocent and vulnerable, as well as tough as old boots! If you cast someone who is too much of a little girl, she’ll get lost in Oz. Dorothy is competing in Oz with an awful lot of scenery, as well as men in lion, tin and scarecrow suits. You have to be quite a performer to compete with that!”
And how do you get on with ALW?!
“What I love about him most is that he’s such a relentless enthusiast. He retains such a passion for what he does. Also, he and I tend to have similar opinions about the contestants.”
PANELIST: SHEILA HANCOCK
Sheila Hancock is an award-winning actress and best-selling author, and is currently appearing in big West End musical Sister Act as Mother Superior.
Why did you decide to join the panel for Over The Rainbow?
I thought long and hard about doing this show. Having talked to people involved in previous series, and learning that there is a proper ‘process’ to the show, a proper ‘training’ if you will, and hearing how well the contestants are looked after, coached and advised, it felt like something I’d like to be involved in.
Of course it’s a TV show, and family entertainment, but its roots are in the casting process and an acknowledgment of how hard a career in musical theatre is going to be. It’s also one of the only shows on television that show off live musical theatre and how great it can be.
Are you looking forward to working with Andrew Lloyd Webber?
Of course, in this field he is a world leader, so it’s lovely to be working with him.
What are you looking forward to most about working on the show?
Watching the contestants evolve, being there for them and the possibility that Dorothy and some of the other girls will have successful careers I can follow.
What kind of qualities are you looking for in the contestants?
You have to believe her. That’s it at the end of the day. It’s difficult for someone like me who remembers seeing the film originally to erase the image of Judy Garland so I will be looking for someone who can bring a believable new characterisation to the role. Technically there’s a long list of things she has to be able to do but what I want to see is someone who makes every audience member, night after night, care about Dorothy and her journey.
What is your role on the panel? What kind of panellist are you?
I hope I’ll be fair and honest, and be able to detect potential.
How do you know when you’ve found your ‘Dorothy’ – who is your ideal Dorothy? And Toto?
The thing with Dorothy, and I think one of the essential reasons both the character and film have become so iconic, is that she is a good person. She loves her family, she cares about the people around her, she’s open to the world despite being naive to it and she is almost entirely positive, all wonderful qualities.
To find an actress who can convey that, combined of course with talent that’s required of a huge part like this, is the ultimate aim.
Toto is a sticking point for me, I’m not a great fan of dogs, they tend to bite me! I’ve suggested my cat Stanley does the role, in a dog coat!
You’ve had a hugely successful theatre and musical theatre career. Which was your favourite role to play?
To play Mrs Lovett in one of the best musicals ever written, Sweeny Todd, at Drury Lane was hugely fulfilling but on the whole my favourite roles are the ones I’m currently playing so at the moment it’s the Mother Superior in Sister Act at the London Palladium.
How do you think your experiences of musical theatre will help budding performers on Over The Rainbow?
I always approach musicals as an actor who sings so I hope that I’ll be able to help with really interpreting the lyrics. The other two judges have different experiences so I hope we can all complement each other to guide, support and be honest with the girls.
What character out of the Wizard of Oz would you like to be?
The Wizard-ess of Oz!
PANELIST: CHARLOTTE CHURCH
Charlotte Church is one of the UK’s most successful performers, having achieved national success at only 11 years old. She has gone on to record a number of multi-million selling albums, star in TV and films and present a successful chat show for Channel 4.
Why did you decide to join the panel for Over The Rainbow?
I’m a big fan of the previous shows Andrew has made and a big fan of Andrew’s work in general.
Are you looking forward to working with Andrew Lloyd Webber?
Very much so. He’s an icon of the music business and Pie Jesu, which Andrew wrote, started my career off.
What are you looking forward to most about working on the show?
Getting dressed up each week and hearing some terrific voices.
What kind of qualities are you looking for in the contestants?
A beautiful voice and all the right emotions to suit the part.
What is your role on the panel? What kind of panellist are you?
We will have to see. I’ve never been a judge before.
How do you know when you’ve found your ‘Dorothy’ – who is your ideal Dorothy? And Toto?
In an ideal world, someone who could give Garland a run for her money. Not so sure about who could play Toto.
How does it feel returning to work following a break?
I’m looking forward to it. I’m very lucky in that I can bring the children to work with me.
You’ve had a hugely successful performing career. How do you think your experiences will help budding performers on Over The Rainbow?
Well, I certainly know what pressure and nerves feel like.
What character out of the Wizard Of Oz would you like to be and why?
The Wizard of course! He helps to solve Dorothy’s problems by using common sense.
PANELIST: JOHN PARTRIDGE
John Partridge is an actor who is currently starring as Christian Clarke in BBC One’s EastEnders. He has performed in numerous plays and musicals including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats and Starlight Express and the national tour of Miss Saigon.
Why did you decide to join the panel for Over The Rainbow?
The obvious answer is as a friend of Dorothy I should have some insight, but in reality, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse!
Are you looking forward to working with Andrew Lloyd Webber?
Of course – Andrew is a legend. The ‘Don’ of musical theatre.
What are you looking forward to most about working on the show?
The chance of finding new musical talent.
What kind of qualities are you looking for in the contestants?
I’m looking for a triple threat – someone who can sing, dance and act equally!
What is your role on the panel? What kind of panellist are you?
I will try to be as honest and truthful as I can – sometimes the truth hurts!
You’ve had a successful musical theatre career. What roles have you played, and which was your favourite?
I’ve played many roles over 20 years, and have loved them all for so many different reasons.
How do you think your experiences of musical theatre will help budding performers on Over The Rainbow?
I went into Cats at 16, so I know the pressure that a young performer is under.
What character out of the Wizard Of Oz would you like to be?
I would love to be the King of the Flying Monkeys!
All interviews courtesy of the BBC
Over The Rainbow – TV Show
March 25, 2010
OVER THE RAINBOW TV SCHEDULE
- BBC ONE: Friday 26 March 2010 9pm – 10pm Episode 1 (of 11): Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber looks for a Dorothy to take the starring role in The Wizard of Oz
- BBC ONE: Saturday 27 March 2010 6.30pm – 8pm Episode 2 (of 11): The final 20 girls audition for the part of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.
- BBC ONE: Saturday 3 April 2010 – 7.25pm -8 .40pm Episode 3 (of 11): Start of the live studio shows featuring the 10 Dorothys and the Wild Card Dorothy as voted for by you
- BBC ONE: Sunday 4 April 2010 – 6.20pm Episode 4 (of 11)
- BBC ONE: Saturday 10 April 2010 – 7.00pm Episode 5
- BBC ONE: Sunday 11 April 2010 – 8.15pm Episode 6
- BBC ONE: Saturday 17 April 2010 – 7.15pm Episode 7
- BBC ONE: Sunday 18 April 2010 – 6.15pm Episode 8
- BBC ONE: Saturday 24 April 2010 – 7.05pm Episode 9
- BBC ONE: Sunday 25 April 2010 – 7.15pm Episode 10
- BBC ONE: Saturday 1 May 2010 – 7.10pm Episode 11
- BBC ONE: Sunday 2 May 2010 – 7.15pm Episode 12
- BBC ONE: Saturday 8 May 2010 – 6.45pm Episode 13
- BBC ONE: Sunday 9 May 2010 – - 7.15pm Episode 14
- BBC ONE: Saturday 15 May 2010 – 7.10pm Episode 15
- BBC ONE: Sunday 16 May 2010 – 8.10pm Episode 16
- BBC ONE: Saturday 22 May 2010 – 7pm Episode 17 – FINAL
- BBC ONE: Saturday 22 May 2010 – 8.55pm Episode 18 – FINAL RESULTS
MORE ABOUT THE TV SHOW
Over The Rainbow, hosted by Graham Norton, started at 9pm on Friday 26 March on BBC One, followed by a live feature-length studio show on Saturday at 6.30pm.
Following the success of BBC musical talent shows How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything, Over The Rainbow saw Andrew Lloyd Webber search for a new Dorothy to lead the cast in his 2011 revival of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium.
Andrew Lloyd Webber was joined by a new panel of experts – actress Sheila Hancock, who is currently starring in Sister Act at the London Palladium, singer and TV presenter Charlotte Church and EastEnders actor John Partridge.
SATURDAY 22 MAY
Watch Saturday’s episode on BBC iPlayer
Watch Saturday’s RESULTS SHOW on BBC iPlayer
CONGRATULATIONS DANIELLE – you are the winner of Over The Rainbow. We can’t wait to see you in the show.
Danielle Hope - winner of Over The Rainnbow
SATURDAY 15 MAY and SUNDAY 16 MAY
Watch Saturday’s episode on BBC iPlayer
Watch Sunday’s episode on BBC iPlayer
And then there were three. The winner of Over The Rainbow, to find a Dorothy to star in Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz, edged a step closer on Sunday as Steph left the show. That leaves Danielle, Lauren and Sophie in the final on Saturday (22nd May, 7pm). It was NAIL-BITING, with Lord LW deciding to save Lauren – which meant poor Steph had to go. Saturday will prove a close call.
SATURDAY 8 MAY and SUNDAY 9 MAY
This weekend’s double eviction was FRAUGHT! We said goodbye to Jenny Douglas, 18, from Edinburgh on Saturday and Jessica Robinson,18, from Middlesbrough on Sunday. That leaves just four girls to go (GULP): Danielle, Lauren, Sophie and Steph (pics below).
Other news this weekend was that the stage show – which will star the winning Dorothy – has now gone on sale. Click here to book tickets to see The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium.
SATURDAY 1 MAY and SUNDAY 2 MAY
It was the battle of the Stephs on Sunday night. Never mind Stephanie - you did a fine job of Tell Me On A Sunday but Steph just pipped you to the post in the Lord’s final judgment.
SATURDAY 24 APRIL and SUNDAY 25 APRIL
Emilie may have been saved by the public in the wildcard vote but couldn’t be saved on Sunday as the Lord favoured Sophie.
SATURDAY 17 APRIL and SUNDAY 18 APRIL
The Green goddess from Cheshire has gone! Dani did her best – and belted out a fabulous final Maybe This Time but the Lord saved Danielle. Starting to get a bit too close to call now…
SATURDAY 10 APRIL and SUNDAY 11 APRIL
Bronte was ditched on Sunday – well done Lauren for hanging on in there.
SATURDAY 3 APRIL and SUNDAY 4 APRIL
Poor Amy wasn’t saved in the sing-off with Steph 
SATURDAY 27 MARCH
In the show we met the 10 Dorothys chosen to continue, alongside the 10 Wild Card Dorothys – one of which you can vote to save for this Saturday’s show. The WILD CARD DOROTHYS are:
Camille Mesnard (21) from Marseille (but now lives in Merseyside)
Claire Harbourne (18) from Lancashire
Claire Hillier (25) from Wales
Emilie Fleming (19) from Tyne & Wear
Emma Warren (20) from Dublin
Katie Honan (19) from the Republic of Ireland
Phillipa O’Hara (23) from Belfast
Sarah Middleton (21) East Midlands
Tasheka Coe (28) from West Midlands
Tegan Edwards (17) Norfolk
FRIDAY 26 MARCH
Friday’s show covered the weeks of mass auditions that took place around the country.
Here’s the list of the 20 Dorothys in full:
Amy Diamond (22) from Cheshire
Bronte Barbe (18) from Cheshire
Camille Mesnard (21) from Marseille (but now lives in Merseyside)
Claire Harbourne (18) from Lancashire
Claire Hillier (25) from Wales
Dani Rayner (16) from Cheshire
Danielle Hope (17) from Greater Manchester
Emilie Fleming (19) from Tyne & Wear
Emma Warren (20) from Dublin
Jenny Douglas (18) from Scotland
Jessica Robinson (18) from Middlesbrough
Katie Honan (19) from the Republic of Ireland
Lauren Samuels (22) from London
Phillipa O’Hara (23) from Belfast
Sophie Evans (17) from Wales
Sarah Middleton (21) East Midlands
Steph Fearon (21) from London
Stephanie Davis (17) from Merseyside
Tasheka Coe (28) from West Midlands
Tegan Edwards (17) Norfolk
COMING UP
This Saturday the live studio rounds start, showcasing the final 10 Dorothys in a studio-based “sing-off”‘ plus the Wild Card Dorothy voted by you to stay.
Also from this week, the TV show will also search for a Toto, Dorothy’s little dog, to star in a one-off gala performance of The Wizard of Oz next year. The search will be led by I’d Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger, who completes her West End stint as Nancy in Oliver! on Saturday and will then join the UK touring production of Spamalot.
- BBC ONE: Saturday 17 April 2010 – 7.15pm Episode 7
Over The Rainbow
March 25, 2010
Welcome to our special westendtheatre.com celebration of all things Over The Rainbow. Over The Rainbow, which finished on 22 May on BBC One, saw 20 contestants battle it out to play the role of Dorothy in a multi-million pound new production of The Wizard of Oz. The lucky winner was Danielle Hope, 18 from Greater Manchester, who won the show in a closely fought final with runner-up Sophie Evans, 17 from Wales.
“Henry! Henry! I can’t find Dorothy! She’s somewhere out in the storm! Dorrrrrrotheeeeeee!”
Andrew Lloyd Webber is bringing the classic musical The Wizard of Oz to the London Palladium in March 2011. The role of Dorothy was made famous by Judy Garland in the hit 1939 MGM film, and has remained a dream role ever since.
The yellow brick road, munchkins, wicked witches and little dogs called Toto are all part of the musical legend of Oz, with the film remaining one of the best-loved movie musicals of all time.
We have followed the ups and downs of the stage-struck girls, as they battled it out to win the part of a lifetime and become the star of a hit West End show (see our Over The Rainbow TV section).
“Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?”
Over The Rainbow, hosted by Graham Norton, started at 9pm on Friday 26 March on BBC One, followed by a live feature-length studio show on Saturday 27 March at 6.30pm.
Following the success of BBC musical talent shows How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything, Over The Rainbow saw Andrew Lloyd Webber search for a new Dorothy to lead the cast in his 2011 revival of The Wizard of Oz. He was joined by a new panel of experts – actress Sheila Hancock, who is currently starring in Sister Act at the London Palladium, singer and TV presenter Charlotte Church and EastEnders actor John Partridge.
“I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog, too!”
Check out the menu above for news and information as the series progresses, including the Over The Rainbow TV show, interviews with the contestants and panelists and information about The Wizard of Oz West End show.
