She’s been immersed in the magical land of Oz in ‘Wicked', and now Lucy Durack is stepping back over the rainbow for the London Palladium version of ‘The Wizard Of Oz – The Musical’ in Brisbane and Sydney.
Opening in Australia in November, 'The Wizard Of Oz – The Musical' is the classic technicolour tale about a girl on an adventure. After finding herself in the middle of a tornado, Dorothy (who is yet to be cast for this particular production) wakes up in a new world, populated by tiny people who sing and dance.
Lucy Durack - Image © Brian Geach
Lucy Durack will play Glinda The Good Witch in this show. This is a familiar role for Lucy, who took on the same character in 'Wicked', a production telling the story of the witches of 'The Wizard Of Oz'. Jemma Rix played Elphaba in 'Wicked' alongside Lucy, and will take on 'The Wizard Of Oz' interpretation of her: The Wicked Witch.
“I think the experience of playing Glinda in 'Wicked' has taught me an enormous amount of what it means to be on stage and different stage craft,” Lucy says. “It's taught me a lot about how to use different comic timing and that sort of thing.”
Lucy graduated from Western Australian Academy Of Performing Arts (WAAPA) after experimenting with Law at university in Sydney. She performed as Glinda in 'Wicked' for longer than her WAAPA education.
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“When I was doing the one semester of the Law degree that I did do, I loved it and I found it really, really interesting... I had a passion for studying it but I just thought 'I miss the theatre too much, I love that more'.”
Although the career trajectory of someone in the acting business is a lot less comprehensive than something like Law, Lucy says it's worth chasing the dream if you have it.
“No matter who you are, you do take knocks. It's not as stable and it's not as clear-cut what your path will be... But I kind of relish in that as well, I really like the freedom it gives you to try lots of different things and I've really enjoyed branching out a bit and trying radio and television and just expanding,” she gushes. “There's so many different things you can do within the entertainment industry.”
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The character of Dorothy for 'The Wizard Of Oz' has not yet been cast, but Lucy says as someone who has been through lots in this industry, she's excited to meet the next generation of theatre kids.
“I think it's going to be such a wonderful experience and and a wonderful opportunity for some new young performer and I get really excited about helping the next generation because I've had some really kind and amazing people help me so I look forward to Jemma and I being the big sisters to a new performer.”
Lucy is itching to get into the show, and says this famous story is one she's loved for many years.
“I love everything about 'The Wizard of Oz', it's one of my favourite ever films. 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' is one of my favourite ever songs.”
“I'm looking forward to taking my daughter Polly, I'm hoping my husband will be able to bring her for just a little bit of one of the shows so she can have her first taste of 'The Wizard Of Oz' too.”
'The Wizard Of Oz - The Musical' Dates
From 4 November – Queensland Performing Arts CentreFrom 30 December – Capitol Theatre (Sydney)
