London’s Free Open Air Theatre has announced the cast of their new adaptations of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and King Arthur, now in their 15th year at the outdoor amphitheatre The Scoop offering unforgettable and totally accessible experiences in the heart of the city – completely free of charge.
The cast, who perform in both shows, combine touring and West End experience with drama school graduates giving their debut performances. Adrian Decosta (Arthur in King Arthur and Tin Man in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) has performed in the West End, as well as the National Theatre and with the RSC, while Emma Hoey (Dorothy in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Gawynn in King Arthur) makes her professional debut after graduating from Mountview. They are joined by Sarah Agha (Homeland), Siobhan Cha (Autopsy: The Last Days of Lisa Lopes), Hadley Smith (Richard III, Swan Theatre), Tom Gordon (Pride and Prejudice, Courtyard Theatre Hereford), Henry Wyrley-Birch (Timothy, The Vaults), Eva Fontaine (After Orlando, Vibrant Festival), and PK Taylor, who performed in The Odyssey for London’s Free Open Air Theatre last summer.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, in an adaptation by Phil Willmott of the novel by Frank L Baum, will retell the beloved kids adventure story and undisputed American classic of how a little girl called Dorothy and her dog Toto, a scarecrow, a tin man and a cowardly lion set off down The Yellow Brick Road to make their dreams come true. Add a wicked witch, flying Monkeys, Munchkins and an eccentric wizard and you’ve the perfect recipe for a tale that will thrill children under ten and anyone with a brain, a warm heart and a little courage.
Thereafter, for a thrilling new dramatisation of the story of King Arthur (adapted by Phil Wilmott), we return to the poetry, majesty and magic of Sir Thomas Malory’s 1485 retelling of the epic story and focus on the love triangle between a king, a queen and a handsome young knight. Exploring the nature of kingship, loyalty and honour, it’s the captivating tale of an unlikely new king taught by the wizard Merlin to bravely live, love and rule with compassion.
