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Jeremy Corbyn is taking a break from politics and stepping into the spotlight, with a surprise cameo in a north London theatre’s Wicked-inspired panto. The MP for Islington North will be playing the role of the Wizard of Oz-lington in a “gloriously camp, all singing, all dancing” production of Wicked Witches: A Popular Panto at the Pleasance Theatre near Caledonian Road this Christmas. He will be joined by drag artist Gigi Zahir, who will play the wicked witch “Adelphaba”, Eleanor Burke who will play The Good Witch, “Kelly Oz-Born”, Ro Suppa as Dorothy or “Dor”, Nick MacDuff as The Scarecrow and Lew Ray as Tin 2.0. Corbyn said: “The Pleasance has been at the heart of our community for 30 years, and local theatre like this deserves our support. “Panto brings people together - it’s fun, inclusive and a brilliant celebration of creativity. It’s a pleasure to conjure up a little festive magic with the Pleasance in their 30th year. “Local theatre is where the real wizardry happens, sparking imagination and spreading a bit of joy.” Wicked Witches: A Popular Panto will run from November 21 to December 31 for the all ages performances and November 18 to December 28 for the adults only performances. Head of Theatre at Pleasance London, Ellie Simpson, said: “Jeremy’s as much a part of Islington as the Yellow Brick Road is of Oz, so who better to play the Wizard of Oz-lington? “His cameo adds a touch of local sparkle to our wickedly funny festive panto, which marks Pleasance’s first in over twenty years and raises the curtain on our 30th anniversary celebrations. “This special collaboration combines The Vaults’ reputation for anarchic, subversive pantomimes, with The Pleasance’s unique cabaret-style space and community focus. “Wicked Witches is the theatre’s most ambitious Christmas offering to date, launching the build up to Pleasance London’s 30th anniversary in 2026.”
