YOUNG actors are banishing stage fright and perfecting their lines for their latest production The Wizard of Oz.

The curtains open for the Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre’s (OYMT) annual production, on Wednesday.

Around 30 singers, dancers and actors, including pupils from 15 schools across Oxfordshire, are performing at the Oxford Playhouse in Beaumont Street.

Didcot Girls’ School pupil Hannah Tompkins is filling the red ruby slippers of lead character Dorothy.

The 18-year-old said: “It’s an honour to play the role and a brilliant surprise to find out I got the part because lots of girls auditioned for it.

“It’s probably the biggest thing I have ever done, and I want to go into drama so it is a great stepping stone.

“The Wizard of Oz is such a well-known thing that it is quite a daunting task to try to fulfil everyone’s expectations. I hope we can do that but put out something a bit different.”

The cast, aged between 14 and 20, most of whom still attend schools across the county, auditioned for parts in the classic tale.

It runs until Saturday, May 11. Friday’s performance will be at 8pm, while the rest will be at 7.30pm.

A matinee will also take place on the Saturday at 2.30pm.

Jake Morter, a former pupil at John Mason School in Abingdon, has been fitted for his straw scarecrow costume.

The 20-year-old from Abingdon said: “We are all starting to try on costumes now, it’s really exciting – although mine is really itchy.

“I was playing video games with the Tinman – Phil Wood – when it dawned on us it is less than a week away.

“I really like the entertainment shows give and the reaction from people when they enjoy what you are performing.”

OYMT was formed in 1991 by Lin Marsh and Judy Tompsett for Oxfordshire County Music Service.

In 2005, the baton was passed to musical director Debbie Rose.

Their annual productions include The Sound of Music in 2006, Les Miserables in 2008, and Beauty and the Beast in 2010.

Last year’s successful OYMT production of Evita also had a Didcot Girls’ School pupil, Eve Norris, in the star role.

Liz Stock, Oxfordshire County Council’s deputy head of the music service, said: “Productions in previous years have been fantastic.

“I am sure that the current crop of talented performers from the Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre will impress audiences at the Playhouse Theatre.

“I would urge as many people as possible to get down and see the show, which promises to be something really special.”

  • Ticket prices start at £9.50. Go to oxfordplayhouse.com to book tickets or for more information