X-Factor Stars Sean Smith And Lola Saunders Launch THE WIZARD OF OZ Panto

LHK Productions proved today that there is no place like LIVERPOOL as the cast of their wicked Easter panto The Wizard of Oz were in the city to launch the show, including X Factor stars Sean Smith and Lola Saunders.

Follow the yellow Brick Road to The Epstein Theatre when the 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.

They were all in the heart of the city today, making a quick stop at Liverpool ONE to pose for the paparazzi and have 'selfies' with the public, before arriving at The Epstein Theatre where press and VIP's got an exclusive sneak peek of what to expect this Easter.

Adding lots of magic to the day, the glitziest fairy in all the land Greatest Hits Liverpool's Claire Simmo - who plays Glinda, was on hand to host the lunchtime event and introduce her fellow all-star cast members.

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.

Joining Sean is another X Factor finalist, Lola Saunders who 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.

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.

During the afternoon guests were treated to a special performance from Sean and Lindzi who sang their solos - both wowing audiences with their amazing vocals!

Speaking at the launch, LHK Productions Managing Director Lee Kelly said: "It has been a wonderful afternoon bringing the cast together today and giving everyone a little sneak peek at what they can expect from this year's production. I cannot wait for rehearsals to begin and to open the show to the amazing audiences of Liverpool this Easter!"

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.

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