It was announced this week that Sophie Evans, runner up in BBC’s Over the Rainbow, will be the alternate Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. She will play the role on Tuesday evenings and during Danielle Hope’s scheduled holidays.

I suppose this doesn’t come as a big surprise; when Jodie Prenger won the role of Nancy in Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the understudy part was offered runner up Jessie Buckley (who turned it down and went on to get a part in A Little Night Music.)

It’s a smart move for Sophie to take this part as she will gain invaluable stage experience. And looking at How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? finalist Aoife Mullholland (who was understudy in The Sound Of Music) she has gone on to roles in Chicago and Legally Blonde. It could prove to be a great stepping stone for Sophie.

I suppose the question is: do the public feel cheated that the other finalists are still being cast (in some respect) in the show? The public obviously wanted Danielle. As we’ve seen before with The Sound Of Music star Connie Fisher, it’s irresponsible to demand 8 performances a week. Some performances will have to use an alternate or risk exhausting the lead performer. But those who did not vote for Sophie and paid to vote for Danielle will still be getting Sophie at least once a week.

Personally I would like to see both and compare. What do you think?

Buy Wizard of Oz tickets here.

Danielle Hope wins Over The Rainbow

The bookies favourite came out on top. 18 year old Danielle Hope from Manchester won the role of Dorothy in the upcoming West End production of The Wizard Of Oz.

Danielle was one of the panel’s favourites from early on in the competition, but she seemed to seal the deal with her acting abilities and performing range.

On Saturday night, the first installment of Over The Rainbow saw the final three perform a song from a musical that Lord Lloyd Webber had chosen especially for each. Sophie sang an excellent version of Tomorrow from Annie which really suited her. As much as the girl struggled throughout the competition, she seemed to find herself with these big songs that showed off her voice.

The runner up, Sophie Evans

Lauren sang I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady which was absolutely perfect for her voice. She had the best vocal performance of the night, but unsurprisingly, she completely overacted the song.

Danielle had a very odd musical choice with Seventy-six Trombones from The Music Man which showed off her adaptability and stage presence, but was a bit shouty at times. In fact, it was a bit like watching a wannabe cartoon character strutting about. Not good.

I liked Danielle’s performance the least, but wanted Lauren to leave the competition first, which she promptly did. She flew away on the moon, leaving Sophie and Danielle to battle it out in the second half.

Both Danielle and Sophie sang their favourite songs from the series (Danielle’s notorious Mambo Italiano, and Sophie’s Reflection which finally made her a serious contender). They then simply had to come out and sing Over The Rainbow and generate the most votes. Last week, I backed Sophie to win, and after hearing both sing the infamous song, I still think Sophie should have won. But…. Danielle is the better all round choice to perform on stage and I can’t wait to see her at the Palladium. She didn’t seem to have the vocal power that Sophie demonstrated, but it’s not just about singing, right?

So what was your favourite moment of the series? Was it Lord Lloyd Webber’s strange mutterings? John Partridge and Charlotte Church’s spats? Or Sheila Hancock telling it like it is. Graham Norton’s horrible waist coats should be erased from memory, along with Emilie’s singing. It was a good competition with excellent talent, and will be missed by all of us at Discount Theatre towers……sniff.