There’s no place like the Brookside Theatre this Christmas for Britain’s Got Talent star, Becky O’Brien as she takes on the role of ‘The Wicked Witch of The West’ in the theatre’s spectacular masterpiece, The Wizard of Oz, based on the classic MGM movie.
Becky stole the hearts of the nation in 2015 when she reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent with her breath-taking rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Since then, Becky has performed her critically-acclaimed tribute show to Judy Garland all over the world
In 2005, Becky starred alongside Dame Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, Christopher Guest and Will Young in the Pathe feature film “Mrs Henderson Presents”. She and two of her sisters performed the title song for the film, “Babies of The Blitz” and went on to perform in Trafalgar Square with Will Young for the BBC VE Day Celebrations in a star-studded line up featuring Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Cliff Richard, Dame Vera Lynn and Katherine Jenkins.
Becky has toured extensively across the globe with various shows including, The Songbook of Judy, Puttin on the Ritz, The Rat Pack and The Spirit of Broadway, to name but a few. She has also had the honour of performing at some wonderful venues including the Edinburgh Fringe, Disneyland Paris, various theatres from America to China….but possibly her favourite to date, The London Palladium.
In 2016, Becky made her first appearance at the Brookside Theatre in the title role of ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ which was staged to raise money for Women’s Aid; a charity that is very close to her heart and to whom she is proud to be an Ambassador for.
Since 2017 Becky has toured her solo shows internationally and performed on many cruise lines. She has also performed at prestigious events including the Judy Garland Auction in LA and for the British Forces.
Becky has performed her tribute show “A Garland for Judy” in London’s West End and on 42nd Street, Broadway and is looking forward to an upcoming tour around the USA in 2021.
As a life-long fan of Judy Garland and The Wizard of Oz, Becky is absolutely delighted to be joining the cast in her favourite musical of all time in her home town and during a time when all families need something to look forward to.
“I am so very excited to be playing the Wicked Witch in my all time favourite story. The MGM film triggered my love for Judy Garland and began my career in theatre. I remember making my Grandad pretend to be Dorothy so I could be the witch as a little girl. It is such a magical tale. This year has been a hard year for everyone, so it is lovely to be able to come back to my hometown and help give a little bit of magic to our audiences. I guess there really is ‘no place like home’”.
Joining Becky on stage will be rising star Sadie Sutherland in the lead role of ‘Dorothy’, together with Peter Beadle as ‘The Wizard’, Josh Handley as ‘Scarecrow’, Dan Marshall as ‘Tin Man’ and the theatre’s Artistic Director, Jai Sepple as ‘Lion’.
The Wizard of Oz is the timeless story of adventure and friendship; young Dorothy and her little dog Toto are caught in a cyclone and whisked away to the magical Land of Oz. With a new pair of ruby slippers and friends Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion by her side, Dorothy follows the yellow brick road to the magical Emerald City in search of the all-powerful Wizard, who she hopes will grant her heart’s desire.
The Wizard of Oz plays at the Brookside Theatre, Romford from 9th – 23rd December 2020. Tickets are on sale now via the theatre’s website brooksidetheatre.com or call the box office on 01708 755775.