Lancaster’s The Dukes has announced The Wizard of Oz has as this year’s “Play in the Park” theatre show in Williamson Park.
Running in the park from 18th July until 24th August, tickets available to book now, audiences can join Dorothy, who is desperately searching for fluffy runaway Toto when a storm sweeps her away from her home in Lancaster into a world full of surprises and wonder.
With her new found companions: the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, Dorothy must navigate the curiosities and dangers of Oz, all while staying one step ahead of the Wicked Witch. Along the way, she’ll discover that courage, heart, and wisdom can be found in the most unexpected places.
The show is based on the hugely popular original novel first published in 1900, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow, the first novel in the Oz series of books. The novel was a huge success, quickly adapted as a “musical extravaganza” for stage. The most popular cinematic adaptation of the story is The Wizard of Oz, the 1939 film starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr, but, most recently, it was the inspiration for the musical Wicked, first performed in 2003, and brought to the big screen last year.
“We’re proud to announce The Wizard of Oz,” commented Chris Lawson, Dukes CEO. “Bringing this special outdoor production to life requires all hands on deck, and our amazing team are working incredibly hard to make it happen. It’s their dedication that ensures our Park Show is a magical experience for everyone to enjoy each year.
‘’Thank you for your continued support. we’ll see you down the yellow brick road!”
Daniel Bye, writer of the production, whose other large scale productions include Wonderstruck for Manchester Museum and Everything There Ever Was, said: ‘’I couldn’t be more excited to be adapting The Wizard of Oz. It’ll be my third show for the Dukes but my first for Williamson Park and Dorothy’s adventures in Oz are a perfect fit for the dramatic landscapes there.
‘’I took my kids to the film for the first time just before Christmas – I can’t wait to bring them – and you! – my own take on the fun, magic, and joy of the original story.”
Elvi Piper, Director of the production, added: “I’m over the rainbow to be directing The Wizard of Oz at The Dukes this summer!
‘’To bring this iconic journey to life in the magical surroundings of Williamson Park, reimagined by the brilliant Dan Bye, is an absolute dream come true.
‘’I can’t wait to take audiences on a dazzling trip down the Yellow Brick Road, in an immersive unforgettable adventure that will linger long after the show finishes!”
• The Wizard of Oz, Williamson Park Lancaster, 18th July – 24th August 2025 | Performances will run from Tuesdays to Sundays at 7.15pm. Tickets must be booked in advance, available by visiting or calling the box office on 01524 598500 or buy online here
