18 November 2025
Newsdesk
The Pleasance Theatre’s gloriously camp Christmas extravaganza, Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto!, has just received an iconic boost: Sir Ian McKellen is officially joining the on-screen cast alongside the already announced Jeremy Corbyn MP.
McKellen, known for bringing legendary characters like Gandalf and Magneto to life, will be channelling his inner canine crooner as Toto, described as a washed-up rock star dog with a back catalogue of "bone-shaking ballads."
Commenting on the surprise casting, Sir Ian quipped: “Having survived – just – my appearance in the film of CATS, I am thrilled, relieved even to now be offered the role of a dog – TOTO no less in Wicked Witches. I would be barking mad to refuse.”
The showbiz legend joins former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is set to appear on-screen as the Wizard of Oz-lington.
Directed by the wickedly witty Shane ShayShay Konno (Mulan Rouge), Wicked Witches is a riotous mash-up of pop parody, cabaret chaos, and high camp. The production, presented by Pleasance and The Vaults, offers both All Ages and Adults Only versions.
The live stage cast is equally stellar, featuring drag powerhouse Gigi Zahir/Crayola The Queen as the Wicked Witch ‘Adelphaba’ and Eleanor Burke/Apple Derrieres as The Good Witch ‘Kelly Oz-Born’. They are joined by Ro Suppa as Dorothy (Dor), Lew Ray as Tin 2.0, and Nick MacDuff as the Scarecrow.
Ellie Simpson, Head of Theatre at Pleasance, called the addition "truly iconic, the icing on our ruby-red cake," noting that the collaboration launches the build-up to Pleasance London’s 30th anniversary in 2026.
Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto! runs from Friday, November 21st, to Wednesday, December 31st, at the Pleasance Theatre in London. Tickets are on sale now for the most 'popular' panto in town.
