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A huge Wizard of Oz pantomime is coming to Leeds this Christmas
Landing in Leeds this December for a one-off show, the all-star cast is headed up by One Show presenter Matt Baker and Jenny Ryan from The Chase
The Wizard of Oz pantomime is taking itself on a UK tour this Christmas and it will be stopping off in Leeds for a special date in December.
Landing at the city's First Direct Arena on Monday 20 December, it's being billed as 'the world's biggest panto' and it's easy to see why when you look at the all-star cast.
Headed up by One Show presenter Matt Baker and Jenny ‘The Vixen’ Ryan from ITV quiz show The Chase, you already know it's going to be a great show.
From the same producers who brought us Elf, Cinderella and Peter Pan, this year's Wizard of Oz panto is a brand new production from World’s Biggest Productions.
Matt Baker, who plays the Wizard, said of the upcoming show: “This Christmas I'm swapping the green fields of Our Farm in the Dales for the Emerald City! I'll be an acrobatic, laser wielding wizard and I might even bring the Children in Need Rickshaw along for the ride.
"It's a show packed with spectacular entertainment and fun with a brilliant script and cast to boot. I can't wait for my festive tour on the yellow brick road!”
Jenny Ryan, who's playing the role of Glinda, said: “The spectacular size of the show is breathtaking. There are giant video screens with animated computer graphic backgrounds and an ice-covered Emerald city skating scene that is magical."
“With a 10-metre tall roof there is plenty of flying with cirque stars as the crows, and the witch actually flies on a broomstick around the arena. What’s also fun is that I am known as one of telly’s top TV quizzers, yet I have to contend with a man with no brains at all.”
Scarecrow, meanwhile, is played by new comedy star Jordan Conway - known for his roles in Faded Glory (2020), So Awkward (2015) and Kids Unlimited (2007).
Having just finished performing his own show at Butlin's, Jordan is raring to go for the Christmas season:
Jordan said: “I can’t wait to get started, nothing beats the sound of thousands of family members all laughing together.”
Feature image- World’s Biggest Productions.
News
Leeds Bradford Airport issue statement as 130 workers prepare to strike
Clementine Hall
Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.
Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.
"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.
"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.
"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."
Read more: Yorkshire Wildlife Park shares major update after man killed in tiger attack
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
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Yorkshire Wildlife Park shares major update after man killed in tiger attack
Daisy Jackson
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has shared an update this afternoon, after a man died in a horrifying tiger attack at the zoo yesterday.
The wildlife park, which remains closed today, has informed customers of the future of the tiger involved, Altai.
Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.
Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.
The zoo has said that its 'thoughts and heartfelt sympathies' remain with the man's family and loved ones.
They also said that its staff team have been left 'deeply affected' by the tiger attack and will be receiving specialist support.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has now shared that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.
In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Read more: Leeds City Council confirms plans to repair historic Lower Kirkgate with work set to begin this month
Featured image: Craig Thomas on Unsplash
Georgina Pellant -
1st October 2021 
