Bye to wonderful Wizard of Oz

Raefn and Chay Webber beat hundreds of children for the chance to play munchkins in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium.

This was Chay’s West End debut at the age of seven. She played the part of Rip, the smallest munchkin, and featured in the Lullaby League.

Raefn played the part of Patrick.

During their time in the show they enjoyed working with two Dorothys – Danielle Hope, the winner of BBC’s Over the Rainbow, and Sophie Evans, the runner-up. They also had the opportunity to work with wizards Michael Crawford, Russell Grant and the current wizard, Des O’Connor.

Raefn started his West End career in Billy Elliot, aged six. He has since appeared in the Wizard of Oz at the Royal Festival Hall, Never Forget at The Savoy, Oliver, Evita, Joseph, Peter Pan, played Winthrop at the Hawth with Crawley Operatic, Bugsy Malone, panto in Worthing with Darren Day, and Titanic.

Raefn was also a featured soloist twice for Voice in a Million at the O2 Arena, supporting the British Association for Adoption and Fostering. The cause is close to his mother’s heart as she grew up in foster care, and then became a successful musical director.

Both children hope to star in more musicals. Chay plans to audition for parts in Les Miserables, Matilda and Shrek. She will appear locally in outofSYNC’s Oliver and Annie.

The pair got to enjoy the last performance of the show on Sunday and performed in front of VIP guests, including Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips.