DING-dong! The witch is alive and well (for now), and coming to the Benn Hall next week when a local theatre group stages a two-night run of The Wizard of Oz.
Five Star Theatre’s production will feature a 45-strong cast of local performers.
The show, which includes classic songs such as Over the Rainbow and The Merry Old Land of Oz, follows Dorothy and her friends Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion on their journey to the Emerald City.
Ethan J Smith, founder of Five Star Theatre and director/producer of the show, promised “a theatrical feast for all ages, filled with colourful costumes, angry trees, sarcastic crows, flying monkeys and clever, creative staging”.
He said: “It’s been an interesting and exciting experience, rehearsing this classic musical.
“We have a very large and hardworking cast of talented young performers, who are very much looking forward to taking to the stage.”
The cast includes seven budding performers from The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College.
Tom Wood (Year 11), Emily Gyles (Year 10) and Year 7 students Emily Melia, Gracie Burcham, Sam Downey, Isabella Awang and Teagan Nuttall all landed roles in the musical.
Avon Valley head teacher Alison Davies said: “It is wonderful to see a number of our students getting involved in this performance.
“It is great to see that these students are involved in performing arts outside of school. I wish them all the best for what should be a super show.”
Five Star Theatre has become the Benn Hall’s resident performing company, most recently having produced Aladdin, Guys and Dolls and Annie – and with productions of Les Misérables and Singin’ in the Rain coming later in the year.
The Wizard of Oz takes to the stage on Thursday March 2 and Friday March 3 at 7.30pm. Visit www.bennhall.com or call 01788 533719 for tickets (adults £12, children and seniors £10).
