Dorothy and her friends: Lion: Wesley Edwards, Dorothy: Anabolena Rodriguez, Scarecrow: Arsham Housini, Tinman: Dan Behan, Mini lion: Darcy Braimoh

De Stafford school did it again!  After six months of gruelling auditions and rehearsals, last week the students put on the 2014 production of ‘The Wiz’ to a sell-out audience over three nights. Dorothy (played by Anabolena Rodriguez) is blown away by a tornado to the bright and colourful world of Munchkinland where she meets Addapearle, the good witch of the North who congratulates her on her wicked witch killing skills. She points her in the direction of the esteemed Wiz, who resides in the Emerald City. Along the way she meets scatty Scarecrow (played by Arsham Housini), the Tinman (played by Dan Behan) and two not so courageous Lions (played by Wesley Edwards & Darcy Braimoh).

They ease on down the yellow brick road to see the Wiz (played by Callum Flynn) who makes them an offer they cannot refuse. The five friends travel the land and face many challenges. They discover evil witches, slave divas, winged monkeys, potent poppies and the beautifully gorgeous Glinda and her shining Starlets. Dorothy realises she misses Aunt Em and all she wants to do is go home to Kansas. With three clicks of her magical shoes she does it.

An unbelievably memorable performance which saw the audience cry with laughter and smile with joy, the singing, choreography and acting were west end standard. Well done de Stafford drama and music department, every year we wonder what they can do next year to top it… watch this space!

Main cast: Addapearle played by Alisha Francis, Glinda: Georgie Roffey, Evilene: Katy Miller, The Wiz: Callum Flynn, Dorothy: Anabolena Rodriguez, Scarecrow: Arsham Houseini, Tinman: Dan Behan, Aunt Em: Meg Bradstock. Front row: Lion: Wesley Edwards, Mini Lion: Darcy Braimoh