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Wicked Witch of the West Hannah Waddingham is so convincing that some of the child actors in the new West End production of The Wizard of Oz (which opens next month at the London Palladium) are reluctant to appear with her because they are so scared, according to the show's choreographer Arlene Phillips who spoke to a national newspaper at the weekend.

"“Some decided they did not want to be in the production anymore because they were terrified of the Wicked Witch of the West,” she revealed to the Sunday Express.

The Wicked Witch of the West - Hannah Waddingham

Hannah Waddingham has enjoyed a successful West End career, winning awards including Best Actress and Best Newcomer in 2000 for her portrayal of 'Suzanne Valadon' in 'Lautrec' and receiving Olivier Award nominations for 'The Lady in the Lake' in Monty Python's 'Spamalot' and 'Desiree Armfeld in the 2009 revival of 'A Little Night Music'.

Her other musical credits include 'The Beautiful Game', 'Tonight’s the Night', 'Saucy Jack' and 'Bad Girls'.

Her screen credits include 'Lola Brewster' in 'Agatha Christie's Marple' and 'Elizabeth Maddox' in the 2008 film 'How to Lose Friends and Alienate People'.

The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium

The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Kansas farm girl Dorothy Gale, who finds herself in the incredible Land of Oz after being swept away by a sudden tornado.

After meeting Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, Dorothy learns in order to get home she must travel along the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, seeking the Wizard of Oz’s help.

On her travels, she makes friends with a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and a cowardly Lion. The only thing that stands in their way is the Wicked Witch of the West, who is desperate to get her hands on Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers.

Wizard of Oz - Full Cast Confirmed!

The full cast of the brand new musical at the London Palladium has recently been confirmed, including 'Over the Rainbow' winner Danielle Hope and runner up Sophie Evans - who will play Dorothy on Tuesday evenings from the 8th March 2011 and for 7 performances in the weeks commencing 2 May, 5 September & 12 September 2011.

Michael Crawford - Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz

Hannah Waddingham - Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West

Danielle Hope - Dorothy

Edward Baker - Duly - Hickory/Tin Man

David Ganly - Zeke/Cowardly Lion

Paul Keating - Hunk/Scarecrow

Emily Tierney - Glinda

Sophie Evans - Alternate Dorothy

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