South Pacific to take over from The Wizard of Oz at the Palladium?

The rumour that The Wizard of Oz is due to close to make way for the tour of South Pacific moving into the Palladium in the Autumn is gaining momentum as certain facts that are starting to substantiate this:

FACT:  Samantha Womack was due to leave the tour of South Pacific at the beginning of March but is now staying on for the remainder of the run sharing the role of Nellie Forbush with Rebecca Thornhill.  The tour is currently scheduled to end at Woking on 21st July.

FACT:  The new Wizard and Dorothy - Russell Grant and Sophie Evan - are currently contracted until 13th May so if the ailing show does not continue over the summer months South Pacific could easily be there by the Autumn.