Crowland Amateur and Dramatic Society to follow the yellow brick road in their new year production The Wizard Of Oz

An amateur theatre group is getting ready to follow the yellow brick road as members gear up for their new year show based on a classic film with some modern twists.

The Crowland Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) is putting on a production of The Wizard of Oz based on a script written by Tom Whalley to be performed at South View School.

Rehearsals took place in October for the ensemble and principal roles – including Dorothy and her trusty friends Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and arch enemy the Wicked Witch of the West.

Assistant producer John Munton, who has been known to take the role as panto dame, said: “The script lends itself to lots of humour and lots of laughs – it is a very very funny script.

“Dorothy will be wearing red boots rather than slippers – similar to Dr Martens – so it gives a different twist on it.

“The show is very en vogue – it is popular and people want to see it and also be involved.”

With a couple of new members - plus stalwarts of the group which has been going since 1979 – this production also has 32 children involved.

Mr Munton said: “It is quite an increase compared with last year – we are 40% up with the number of children involved – which we love.

“New ones come through across all age groups – it is great to see their confidence build.”

The group has seen its members go onto professional theatre – with one touring with the Rocky Horror Show working in sound and lighting and another playing the role of Tinkerbell in a show in Dubai.

Mr Munton said: “The group brings children and adults together and teaches them to communicate and communication skills develop.

“With every show we do there is a lot of trust and respect.

“Everyone is protected and safe – with safeguarding, chaperones – and it is fun which is what it is all about.”

Members of the group will have a stall at the Christmas lights switch-on in Crowland on December 2 – with the chance for members of the public to win tickets to the show.

Amateur productions are sometimes the first experience to see or star in a show for young people and Mr Munton said: “Last year we paid for the children to see a professional panto – some have never seen a panto before.

“We saw a great improvement in the children’s performances – it gave them an understanding and also a reward.”

Visit the CADS website and Facebook page for further information. Tickets can also be purchased at Bridge Hardware store in Crowland and online via the CADS Box office www.CADSCrowland.co.uk/boxoffice Adults £10 Concessions (over 60) £7 Children (Under 16) £7

An offer of 10% OFF all online tickets using code CADS10 ends December 24.