Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group have announced that JLS star Aston Merrygold will reprise his celebrated role as The Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz - and it's coming to the Midlands.

Aston joins previously announced Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Witch of the West, Allan Stewart as The Wizard, Aviva Tulley as Dorothy, Benjamin Yates as The Scarecrow, Nic Greenshields as The Cowardly Lion, Emily Bull as Glinda The Good Witch and Abigail Matthews as Toto.

The cast is completed by David Burrows, Adam Craig, Cole Dunn, Tyler Ephraim, Olivia Kate Holding, Thomas Kalek, Sadie Levett, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Martin McCarthy, Rose Ouellette, Fanja Parent, Alexandra Regan, Nathan Routledge and Sydney Spencer.

Aston Merrygold became known for his incredible stage presence during his time with X Factor formed band JLS, who went on to sell out countless arena tours and sell over 10 million records, including five Number 1 hits and numerous awards. Whilst the band took a seven-year break, Aston made strides in his career appearing on the West End, Strictly Come Dancing and released his platinum debut single Get Stupid and most recently Overboard’ and Share a Coke. JLS made their comeback last year and performed to sold out arenas all over the UK.

The Wizard of Oz plays Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 11 - Sunday 16 June 2024. It also plays Wolverhampton Grand (without Aston, starring The Vivienne) from 30 July - 4 August 2024.