Andrew Lloyd Webber Explains Why ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Search May Move To ITV

August 6th, 2009 by Lisa McGarry. Tags: , ,

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber has spoken out for the first time on the disagreement which saw him cancel his planned 2010 show on BBC.

Webber had planned to launch a search for Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz with the channel, but disagreements over the mention of his new musical ‘Love Never Dies’, led to the composer pulling out. He also hinted at the possibility of moving the show to ITV.

“I felt it was extremely difficult to go ahead with the BBC, who want to do The Wizard Of Oz,” the Daily Express quotes him as saying. “Last year there was a bit of criticism about the BBC using licence payers’ money to show me promoting Oliver, even though it was not my musical.

“Personally, I think it’s nonsense. The BBC has said we cannot mention Love Never Dies. If every paper is mentioning it and there’s no mention of it on the programme it looks curious.

“On ITV, it doesn’t matter as it’s not using licence payers’ money. I just want to enjoy putting the show on at this stage of my career and I don’t want the waters muddied by unnecessary negative PR.”

Here at Unreality TV, we have our own reservations about Lloyd Webber launching a show on ITV. You can check out our article on the matter here.

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3 Responses to “Andrew Lloyd Webber Explains Why ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Search May Move To ITV”

  1. Maureen says:
    August 7, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    Well then this could be a really good move. At least then the advertising aspect shouldn’t matter. ITV have proved they can do quality television it isn’t just a forte reserved for the BBC. I feel it is time ITV did produce more quality television programmes, especially during the current climate this could be the answer to the falling viewing figures and the downturn in advertising revenue.

    In addition to this Andrew Lloyd Webber is already a well established personality, composer, director, executive and owner of 10 theatres in the centre of London his reputation is not likely to suffer any at all. Instead ALW’s newly aquired reputation as a talent show judge has made him a much desired consultant on music matters for other programmes, other directors and producers.

  2. Wizard Of Oz: BBC and Andrew Lloyd Webber search for Dorothy is back on! @ Unreality TV says:
    September 11, 2009 at 9:54 am

    [...] and saying that he wouldn’t be doing a show with them this year. In fact he hinted that he may take his Wizard Of Oz show to ITV [...]

  3. Vicki says:
    September 24, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    helloo.
    When will the audition take place and where please :)
    Vicki Cooke
    Age 17