Dronfield Musical Theatre Group stage The Wizard of Oz

Members of Dronfield Musical Theatre Group will be following the Yellow Brick Road as they put on the musical favourite at the town’s Civic Hall from May 20 to 23.

The show is based on the 1939 movie which has been hailed as the most universally known films of all time.

“Dronfield’s version closely follows the film” says director Katie Preece. “We start off in monochrome then there’s a burst of colour when we go Over the Rainbow. As you would expect there are all the favourite characters, much-loved songs and iconic moments.”

In the role of Dorothy, which was immortalised in the film by Judy Garland, is Ellie Ashmore, and Gavin Ward plays the cowardly lion, Julie Ballin the Tin Man and Richard Gilson, the Scarecrow.

Says Katie: “Who could have predicted in 1939 that a speculative MGM film that had been made to counter the rise of the Walt Disney Studio would still be as popular so many years later.”

Based in a novel from 1900 by L Frank Baum, there had been many attempts to put it on stage or film before Judy Garland stepped into her ruby slippers to launch the movie phenomenon.

The Dronfield show runs from Wednesday to Saturday (May 20-23) with a matinee on the Saturday. Tickets: 01246 416364.