Both are lending their talents to the Pleasance’s gloriously camp extravaganza Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto!
Following the Islington North MP’s previously announced on screen appearance as the Wizard of Oz-lington, you might have thought things couldn’t get more strange.
But it seems we’re not in Kansas any more, with stage and screen legend Sir Ian signing on to appear as Toto – a washed-up rock star dog with more bark than bite and a back catalogue of ballads.
The 86-year-old will be adding his pedigree to Dorothy’s dog after previous roles as Gandalf, Magneto in X Men, and King Lear, channelling his inner canine crooner in the on screen role.
Sir Ian said: “Having survived – just – my appearance in the film of CATS, I am thrilled, relieved even to now be offered the role of a dog – TOTO no less in Wicked Witches. I would be barking mad to refuse.”
Directed by Shane ShayShay Konno, Wicked Witches is a riotous mash-up of pop, parody and camp as The Wizard of Oz meets Wicked in a festive drag cabaret.
There’s both a fabulously naughty version and family friendly performances conjuring up soaring vocals, sparkly spells and plenty of sass as Dorothy (Dor) is pulled back to Oz-lington, where she must reunite with Scarecrow and Tin 2.0 to save Christmas from the feuding witches.
Drag powerhouse Gigi Zahir plays The Wicked Witch Adelphaba, and Eleanor Burke The Good Witch, with Kelly Oz-Born as Dor.
Ellie Simpson, head of theatre at Pleasance theatre said: “From Gandalf to King Lear to Toto – only at Pleasance! Having Sir Ian join our festive fun is truly the icing on our ruby-red cake.
“Wicked Witches is the theatre’s most ambitious Christmas offering to date, launching the build up to Pleasance London’s 30th anniversary.
“The cast of Wicked Witches will have you booing, cheering and maybe even questioning who’s really wicked after all. So, follow the Yellow Brick (Caledonian) Road this festive season for the most ‘popular’ panto in town.
“Because at the Pleasance, when it comes to festive fun, there’s no place like home!”
Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto runs at Pleasance, Carpenters Mews, North Road, Islington from Friday November 21 until Wednesday December 31 for all ages, and Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto for Adults runs November 21 until December 28.
Tickets from www.pleasance.co.uk
