Although Andrew Lloyd Webber is facing the first stages of prostate cancer he is not letting it slow down his role as one of the leading producers of the West End, as he turns to his latest challenge of finding a Dorothy for his upcoming production in the West End of The Wizard of Oz.
Webber plans to find his leading lady through a talent show that will be televised on BBC1 on a show aptly titled Over the Rainbow. It is here that he hopes to find a stage version of Judy Garland who made the yellow brick road a pop sensation.
The same group that is in charge of the new show which will air in January is also in charge of Britain’s Got Talent and the X Factor. A spokesman from the group, Talkback Thames, said that the idea came because Webber has been impressed with how much talent the previously mentioned shows have been able to find.
Webber has also been involved in the production of I’d Do Anything which saw Rachel Tucker and Niamh Perry battle for the lead role of Nancy in the West End production. Although neither were awarded the role, Rachel got a part in the musical production of We Will Rock You and Niamh is currently the star in Mamma Mia.
Webber stated that the past musical searches have shown that there are many people with talent across Britain and that the televised specials have helped boost the attendance of West End productions which is why he cannot wait to start looking for Dorothy using the same avenue.
Auditions for the new show are open online at bbc.co.uk/Dorothy and are available to those who are at least 16 years old.
