Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will make a cameo appearance in a pantomime at a north London theatre this Christmas. The Islington North MP, who now sits as an independent, will appear on screen as the “Wizard of Oz-lington” in a drag production of Wicked Witches at the Pleasance Theatre.
“The Pleasance has been at the heart of our community for 30 years, and local theatre like this deserves our support,” Corbyn said. “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.”
The production, titled Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto!, is inspired by the musical Wicked and promises a “gloriously camp Christmas spectacular” with cabaret, pop parodies, and laughs for all ages. Ellie Simpson, head of theatre at Pleasance London, 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?”
Corbyn was expelled from the Labour party ahead of the 2024 general election and now represents Islington North as an independent. He recently formed a new left-wing party, unofficially known as Your Party, with fellow former Labour MP Zarah Sultana.
