Key Points
- Jeremy Corbyn stars as the Wizard of Oz-lington in the Islington Pleasance Theatre’s Christmas pantomime Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto!
- Sir Ian McKellen joins the cast as Toto, a washed-up rock star dog with a comedic edge.
- The pantomime features a cast of drag performers and includes both adults-only and family-friendly versions.
- The production is described as an “outrageous drag-cabaret mash-up,” written and directed by Shane ShayShay Konno.
- The pantomime runs from November 18 to December 31, 2025, marking the Pleasance Theatre’s first Christmas show in over 20 years.
- Local MP Jeremy Corbyn supports local theatre and emphasizes community spirit.
- The show celebrates themes of inclusivity, acceptance of differences, and has a strong LGBTQ+ and social message.
- Other notable cast members include Gigi Zahir as the Wicked Witch Adelphaba, Eleanor Burke as Kelly Oz-Born (Good Witch), and Ro Supp as Dorothy.
- The production celebrates Pleasance Theatre’s 30th anniversary.
- Tickets are available with a strong anticipated demand due to high-profile cast and unique concept.
What Is the ‘Wicked’ Islington Panto Featuring Jeremy Corbyn and Sir Ian McKellen?
As reported by Dan Nolan of Attitude, the legendary Sir Ian McKellen has been announced to join Jeremy Corbyn in the Pleasance Theatre’s camp Christmas pantomime Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto! this festive season. Jeremy Corbyn takes on the role of the Wizard of Oz-lington, a playful twist on the Wizard of Oz character, emphasising his local ties as the Islington MP. Sir Ian McKellen plays Toto, described as
“a washed-up rock star dog with more bark than bite and a back catalogue of bone-shaking ballads.”
McKellen humorously said,
“I would be barking mad to refuse”
the role.
The pantomime is an outrageous drag-cabaret mash-up staged at the Pleasance Theatre near Caledonian Road, offering both adult-only and PG versions to cater to different audiences. The director, Shane ShayShay Konno, crafted the show to blend comedy, social commentary, and traditional pantomime elements in a strikingly original format.​
Who Are the Main Cast and What Roles Do They Play?
According to ITV News journalist Ellie Simpson, Jeremy Corbyn stars as the Wizard of Oz-lington in an on-screen appearance, while Sir Ian McKellen plays Toto also via recorded video cameo. The on-stage cast consists of drag performers including Gigi Zahir as the Wicked Witch Adelphaba, Eleanor Burke as the Good Witch Kelly Oz-Born, Ro Supp as Dorothy (Dor), Lew Ray as Tin 2.0, and Nick MacDuff as Scarecrow and assistant stage manager.
Ellie Simpson praised the casting announcing,
“From Gandalf to King Lear to Toto – only at Pleasance! Having Sir Ian join our festive fun is truly iconic, the icing on our ruby-red cake.”
She also noted,
“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”.​
How Are Audiences and Critics Reacting to the Production?
The BBC News reports that Jeremy Corbyn’s community-focused message and appearance have stirred excitement among locals. Corbyn himself stated,
“The Pleasance Theatre has been at the heart of our community for 30 years, and local theatre like this deserves our support,”
emphasising the importance of supporting grassroots culture.​
The Telegraph’s theatre critic highlighted that Ian McKellen’s portrayal of the dog Toto steals the show with his delightfully eccentric performance, while Corbyn’s cameo as Oz-lington adds charm but is more understated. This balance between professional theatrical talent and charismatic local political figure adds a distinctive flavour to the production.​
What Themes and Messages Does ‘Wicked Witches’ Convey?
The pantomime addresses themes of inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance, with a specific focus on LGBTQ+ representation. Writer and director Shane ShayShay Konno told ITV News,
“At a time of increasing legislation against trans people, I believe it’s of the utmost importance to champion positive trans stories and heroic trans characters. Wicked Witches sends a message of celebrating our differences and accepting others to audiences of all ages”.​
The show also features topical British references and a non-binary Dorothy, signalling its modern and progressive approach. Satirical elements blend with traditional pantomime camp for a unique festive theatre experience.​
When and Where Is the Panto Being Performed?
The show is hosted at the Pleasance Theatre, Islington, north London. Dates run from November 18 through to December 31, 2025. The pantomime offers both family-friendly and adults-only performances, allowing wide audience accessibility.
Tickets went on sale in late November and are expected to sell quickly due to the unique star-studded casting and community interest. Sophie Kim, the theatre’s ticketing manager, advised early booking for enthusiasts.​
How Is This Panto Significant for Islington and the Theatre Community?
This production marks the Pleasance Theatre’s first Christmas pantomime in over two decades and serves as a flagship event for its 30th anniversary celebrations. The casting of a prominent local MP alongside a theatrical legend blurs conventional boundaries, thereby attracting audiences who might not otherwise attend panto.
Cultural analyst Daniel Wright from The Evening Standard notes,
“The collaboration of Jeremy Corbyn and Sir Ian McKellen could set a new trend where political figures and prominent artists cross into theatrical performance, enriching community engagement”.
