X Factor's Sean Smith And Lola Saunders To Star In THE WIZARD OF OZ At The Epstein Theatre

Producers today announce the full cast that will take audiences over the rainbow in LHK Productions' wizardly wicked Easter panto The Wizard of Oz, coming to The Epstein Theatre this April.

Head down the yellow brick road with two X-Factor favourites; Sean Smith who stars as Tin Man and Lola Saunders as Dorothy, when this production comes to the Hanover Street venue from Thursday 11 - Monday 22 April.

The full cast also includes Greatest Hits Radio Liverpool's Claire Simmo; Liverpool favourite Lindzi Germain; the hilarious Lewis Pryor; and everyone's favourite Dame, Michael Chapman.

As one half of pop duo Same Difference, Sean Smith made it through to the final of the fourth series of ITV's X Factor in 2007, later embarking on the show's UK arena tour.

Their debut single We R One shot in to the Top 15 of the charts shortly followed by the album POP, which was certified Gold in the UK. No stranger to the theatre stage, Sean played the title role in LHK's 2016 production of Aladdin and most recently starred in the Queen and Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You as Britney Spears.

Whilst another X Factor finalist, Lola Saunders made it through to the live rounds of the hit ITV show in 2014 as judge Cheryl's Wild Card.

She has since gone on to star in Bill Kenwright's UK touring production of Save The Last Dance For Me, as well as panto productions of Cinderella in the title role at Tyne Theatre, Newcastle and Princess Jill in Jack and The Beanstalk at Forum Theatre, Billingham.

The glitziest fairy in all the land and one of the city's best loved radio hosts, Greatest Hits Liverpool's Claire Simmo is back on the Epstein stage this Easter, bringing a sprinkling of magic to audiences as Glinda.

She soaked up all the boos and hisses playing the evil Fleshcreep in 2018's Jack and the Beanstalk, and now the sensational Lindzi Germain returns as Lion.

The Liverpool actress and writer is a favourite across the city and Lindzi has appeared in countless productions including Bon Voyage at The Epstein Theatre; Scouse Cinderella and The Royal at The Royal Court Liverpool; and The Ale House at Liverpool Grand Central.

Lewis Pryor delighted audiences with his performance as Muddles at Christmas, and this Easter the Britain's Got Talent star is set to appear as Scarecrow.

The young star finished third place during the live finals of the 2016 series of the ITV show with dance troupe Boogie Storm. Lewis recently graduated from Jelli Studios Theatre Arts College and has previously studied at Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre and the Jennifer Ellison Fame Academy.

Liverpool's favourite Dame, the hilarious Michael Chapman never fails to have theatre-goers rolling in the aisles laughing. Back in what will mark his twenty first show with LHK Productions, audiences should get their best boos at the ready as he fly's in on his broom as The Wicked Witch.

LHK Productions Managing Director Lee Kelly said: "We are all very excited to be back at The Epstein Theatre for another brilliant panto production this Easter, and I am delighted to finally reveal the cast to you all. It is fantastic to welcome Sean back after his sensational performance as Aladdin in 2016. Lola is a remarkable performer and I know our audiences will absolutely love her, and Lindzi was a brilliant baddie in Jack and the Beanstalk so it is great to bring her back this year.

"There are also some returning favourites with Claire Simmo who is always a pleasure to work with, the hilarious Lewis Pryor, and of course no LHK production would be complete without Michael Chapman."

Embark on an adventure from Munchkin Land to Emerald City this Easter and join Dorothy, Toto and new friends Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion as they journey to meet the wonderful Wizard of Oz.

This classic tale will be magically reimagined on stage in LHK's sensational panto production.