'There's no place like Walsall!' Walsall Arena celebrates 'biggest panto to date' as more than 8,000 attend Wizard of Oz spectacular

Walsall Arena was transformed into a whirlwind of festive fun as Dorothy took on the 'Wicked Wench of the West' in this year's Wizard of Oz pantomime.

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Walsall Arts Arena, and its Panto season for The Wizard of Oz: A Wicked Pantomime. Main characters are: Wicked Witch: Sophie Hall, Dorothy: Nicola Harris-Smith, Lion: Meg Brayne, Tin man: Matthew Harris, Scarecrow: Rhys Jones and Glinda the Good Witch: Darren Haywood.

There was 'no place like home' at the Walsall Arena and Arts Centre on Hawbush Road, Leamore, Walsall, during its performance of 'The Wizard of Oz: A Wicked Pantomime'.

The production saw Dorothy Gale whisked away by a whirlwind to somewhere over the rainbow as she embarked on an adventure filled with mischief, magic, and plenty of festive fun and mayhem.

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Walsall Arts Arena, and its Panto season for The Wizard of Oz: A Wicked Pantomime
Walsall Arts Arena, and its Panto season for The Wizard of Oz: A Wicked Pantomime

However, something didn't seem quite right in this fantasy world. Instead of her iconic slippers, Dorothy donned a pair of fantastic ruby red Crocs, and instead of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, who just wanted a heart, there were the Scatty Scarecrow, the Heavy Metal Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion who just wanted a cuddle.

The run of shows, which began on December 6, has been hailed as 'the biggest panto to date' for the arena, so far drawing in more than 8,500 visitors, and plenty of laughs and chuckles from all.

Scarecrow Rhys Jones
Scarecrow Rhys Jones

Councillor Gary Flint, portfolio holder for culture, health and wellbeing at Walsall Council, said: "Walsall Arena’s pantomime continues to be a much-loved part of our festive calendar. 

"This year’s Wizard of Oz show has delighted audiences of all ages, bringing families together for a fantastic experience. It’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying the magic and fun that the arena brings to our community each December."

The panto has been dubbed the best
The panto has been dubbed the 'the biggest panto to date' for the arena

"The Wizard of Oz has been a tremendous success in 2025, drawing in more than 8,500 visitors and becoming the Arena's biggest panto to date."

While tickets for this year's Walsall panto have sold out, there is still plenty to see in the new year, with a full list of performances available via the Walsall Arena website.