ALL roads will be leading to the Yellow Brick Road when the talented Northampton Musical Theatre Company bring to life the classic The Wizard of Oz.
Rehearsals are under way for the show in the Derngate auditorium which runs from Tuesday, 24 October to Saturday, 28 October.
This local amateur theatre company have consistently won the prestigious East Midlands NODA award for Best Show and The Wizard of Oz promises to build on the success of last year’s production, Grease.
The thriving company has put together an enthusiastic, talented cast including Sam Perryman who will take on the role of Dorothy, made famous by Judy Garland. She will be stepping out with fellow travellers Tin Man played by Luke White, Gordon Ritchie transformed into Scarecrow and lawyer Ben Stanton the scaredy-cat Lion.
Expect to hear songs from the film including the toe-tapping classics Follow the Yellow Brick Road, We’re Off to See the Wizard and the Lion’s plea, If I Only Had a Heart.
The theatre company’s chairman Janice Hilton said: “We have only recently started rehearsals and we are having such a laugh. It is such a good musical and we hope people will want to come and join in the fun.
“We chose The Wizard of Oz because we have a lot of younger members and it was important to give them and the audience something that would appeal.”
The theatre company has a proud history and can trace its roots back to 1898. It was originally known as Northampton Amateur Operatic Company but a few years ago the members took the decision to change its name.
Janice said: “We are very proud of our history but wanted to appeal to a broader audience and encourage more people who have a passion for amateur dramatics to get involved.”
Tickets from £10 to £22 are already on sale for the shows which start at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on Wednesday and Saturday. Prices vary and include concessions and discounts for groups and Friends and members of the Royal and Derngate. To book tickets call 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk