MEMBERS OF AAODS' junior section, all aged between eight and 18, are preparing to bring their special blend of enthusiasm and talent to the stage in what will be the final event in a very busy centenary year for the society.

Following last year's success of 'Beauty and the Beast' this year's show, The Wizard of Oz, will also appeal to a family audience.

The story of Dorothy's journey to the Land of Oz accompanied by her beloved dog, Toto has a magical mix of scary witch, jitterbugs and monkeys and friendly Munchkins, timid Lion, heartless Tin Man and brainless Scarecrow.

Molly Brickley Clark, who won the 2010 Xmas Factor competition, plays Dorothy, and making her stage debut as Dorothy's faithful friend Toto, is Boo!

When a tornado whisks Dorothy away from her beloved Aunt Em (Alys Le Moignan) and Uncle Henry (Henry Wheatley) and lands her in Munchkin Land, she is desperate to return home to Kansas.

As she makes her way to the Land of Oz she meets up with the Tin Man (Jack Wheatley), Lion (Alex Williams) and the Scarecrow (Harry Jones).

With the help of Glinda the good witch, they overcome the obstacles put in their way by The Wicked Witch of The West (Paige Davies) , eventually reaching the Emerald City where they meet The Wizard (Joe Pugh) who tells them how to get home.

"There are lots of well known and well loved songs – Somewhere Over the Rainbow is a particular favourite, along with Ding Dong the Witch is Dead', and Follow the Yellow Brick Road," said AAODS chairman Jill Murray.

" I think my favourite is The Jitterbug. If you were fortunate to see AAODS Centennial Serenade concert you will recognise this very lively song with even more lively choreography. In fact there is a lot of dancing in the show, all superbly choreographed and performed.

"This talented group of local young people have worked hard to produce this show and raised funds by bag packing as well as volunteering to clean and paint the dressing rooms at the Borough Theatre.

"With the dark Autumn evenings drawing in what better way to brighten your day than by spending an evening at the Theatre to see this feel good show." she added.

The show runs from Tuesday November 22 to Saturday, November 26 with a matinee and an evening performance on Sat.

"There are family tickets available as well as concessions all week but it is advisable to contact the Box Office 850805 as last year's show was a sell out," said Jill