he played the role of the wonderful wizard of oz in the west end production of the musical "wicked". he replaced sam kelly from monday 29 march 2010, starring opposite rachel tucker and louise dearman. he was highly acclaimed in the role, and exited the show alongside dearman and many other of his co-stars on saturday 10 december 2011, after almost two years in the role. desmond barrit returned to the company, replacing carter.