Running from 1-22 December, Theatre Peckham’s Christmas show will be The Wonderful, a Wizard of Oz meets Black Panther inspired reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale.

Artistic Director Suzann McLean, in collaboration with actor and writer Geoff Aymer, stage this truly representative adaptation celebrating the vibrant community in which Theatre Peckham serves. The music and dance in the show brings a fusion of Afro beats and Hip Hop into the world of musical theatre, with music composed by Jordan Xavier and Nick Bowers-Broadbent and choreography from CTC Dance founder, Christopher Tendai.

The story begins in Nanna Emi’s takeaway shop in Peckham. A spectacular storm sweeps Efe and her dog TikTok from SE15 to Ozanda, a mystical African land where tribal tradition rubs shoulders with high tech gadgetry. There Efe embarks on a fantastical quest of self-discovery to find her way home. But not without the help of her new friends, Manne-Quin, Cyri and the Mane Man who show her there really is something magic in all of us.

Writer Geoff Aymer said: “I hope this very special adaptation makes this classic tale so much more accessible to today’s generation. We go from Peckham to a Wakanda-ish version of Oz. The message is simple: we all have hidden talents which make us a bit special. We just need to have self-belief and tap into them.”

The cast of professional actors is led by renowned Ray Emmet Brown in the title role, alongside Ashleigh-Mae Schoburgh-Crooks as Efe, Billy Lynch as Manny (the mannequin), Khariis Ubiaro as Mane Man (the lion), Tarisha Rommick as Aygum (the evil queen), Amy Bianchi as Cyri (the Cyborg) and Sebastian Chambers as TikTok (the dog, puppeteer). They will also be joined by a host of young actors from Theatre Peckham’s Academy. 

The production has musical direction by Ben Christopher, with design by Katrina Russell Adams and costumes by Emma Wee.

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.