Jeremy Corbyn to make cameo in drag pantomime

MP Jeremy Corbyn will star as the Wizard of Oz-lington

Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn is set to swap Parliament for pantomime this Christmas, taking a part in a festive stage performance at a north London theatre.

He will play the Wizard of Oz-lington in a "gloriously camp" Wicked-inspired pantomime, Wicked Witches: A Popular Panto, at the Pleasance Theatre near Caledonian Road.

He will be joined by drag artist Gigi Zahir, who will play the wicked witch Adelphaba, as well as Eleanor Burke, who will be the good witch Kelly Oz-Born, Lew Ray as Tin 2.0 and Ro Supp who plays Dorothy (Dor).

Corbyn said: "The Pleasance (Theatre) has been at the heart of our community for 30 years, and local theatre like this deserves our support."

There will be adult version of the production, as well as a separate one for people of all ages

"Panto brings people together - it's fun, inclusive and a brilliant celebration of creativity," the independent MP added.

"It's a pleasure to conjure up a little festive magic with the Pleasance in their 30th year. Local theatre is where the real wizardry happens - sparking imagination and spreading a bit of joy."

Head of theatre at Pleasance London, Ellie Simpson, 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?

"His cameo adds a touch of local sparkle to our wickedly funny festive panto, which marks Pleasance's first in over 20 years and raises the curtain on our 30th anniversary celebrations."

There will be two different versions of the production, with one aimed at adults only and another for all ages, which will run on different days between 18 November and 31 December.