Help Bring the Magic of Wizard of Uhz to Life

Hi! I’m Kelsey Ann Moebius, an international actress from the United States, and I’ve been lucky to call the UK my home for the past few years while pursuing my career. I trained at the Manchester School of Theatre, and I’m currently living in Manchester on a graduate visa, working towards my Global Talent Visa.

As part of the Global Talent Visa application, I’m required to actively seek professional opportunities in the arts — but given the challenges artists face in the industry, I’ve taken matters into my own hands by creating and producing original work. After receiving positive audience feedback on my recent two-hander at the Camden Fringe, I’m thrilled to announce my next project: a reimagined pantomime of The Wizard of Oz, set right here in Manchester!

A Local Twist on a Classic Tale

This playful and engaging adaptation will follow Dorothy as she comes to discover that a tornado picked her up and carried her all the way across the pond to land not in Oz, but in Manchester! Along the way, she befriends a Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, and together, they embark on a journey through Manchester to meet The Wizard of Media City!

Along their journey, they’ll uncover the hidden gems of this vibrant community and encounter the quirky wonders of the city. It's a modern take on a beloved story, with a dash of Manchester charm!

Whether you are a fan of Oz, Manchester, or just looking for a fun night out, this event is perfect for all ages. So grab your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable experience at The Aquarius Centre!

Meet the Team

This production will feature a talented team of local artists, including:

• A director, a musician, and 7 actors, many of whom I met during my time in Manchester.

• Two of the actors are also applying for the Global Talent Visa, just like me, and we’re all working hard to create something truly special for the community.

Why This Matters

This pantomime isn't just about entertaining audiences — it's also about giving back to the community that has welcomed me with open arms. By highlighting northern artists and collaborating with local talent, this project aims to showcase the richness and diversity of the creative scene here in Manchester.

Furthermore, the visa process for international artists like myself can be a challenging journey, and this production will shine a light on the complexities of navigating a career in the arts as a non-UK resident.

The Show Must Go On: We Need Your Help

The pantomime is scheduled for December 15th and 16th, and we’re so excited to bring it to life. However, to make this show as vibrant as possible, we need your support to cover the essential costs, including:

• Pay for the actors, director, and musician

• Renting lights and technical equipment for the performance

What We’ve Already Secured

We’re incredibly fortunate to have some amazing support already:

• Costumes have been generously donated by a sustainable fashion shop.

• The performance space has been donated by One Manchester, a strong advocate for the arts.

• We are also grateful to Odd Arts, whose mission is to use theatre to challenge attitudes and help people understand the world in new ways.

How You Can Help

Any contribution, big or small, will go a long way in helping us create a memorable production that brings joy to audiences and supports local artists. By donating, you’re not just helping fund a show — you’re helping foster a creative community and providing opportunities for talent to shine.

If you can’t contribute financially, please consider helping by sharing this campaign with your network or attending. The more people who hear about this project, the better!

________________________________________

Thank You for Your Support!

Whether you’re able to donate, attend in person or simply spread the word, I am deeply grateful for your support. Together, we can make this magical pantomime a reality and continue to support the amazing arts community in Manchester.