AUDIENCES were transported ‘Over the Rainbow’ as youngsters followed the yellow brick road in three performances of classic musical The Wizard of Oz.

St John’s on-the-Hill School’s musical “wowed audiences with superb singing, comedy and high energy dancing,” said a school spokesperson.

The 47-strong cast of Year 7 and 8 pupils put on shows on Wednesday to Friday, March 20 to 22, for packed-out audiences. 

“Connie Davies shone in the lead role as Dorothy, when a tornado takes her to a strange land, full of small people called Munchkins, witches and magical characters,” said the spokesperson.

The school’s production of the family-favourite musical saw Dorothy make friends with a scarecrow who can talk (Lily Salter), a tin man (Ollie Taylor) and a very fearful lion (Wilfred Green), who embark on a journey together in the hope that the Wizard of Oz (Finlay Gemson) can make their deepest wishes come true.

And ultimately, Dorothy realises that there is ‘no place like home’ and that life is not always what it seems.

Rachael Shakeshaft, Head of Drama and Director of Studies at St John’s, said: “Audiences were thrilled to be transported over the rainbow by our talented pupils.

“They worked incredibly hard to learn their lines, the songs and choreography needed to pull off this challenging production,” she added.

“It was a brilliant team effort with the cast supported by a professional orchestra and many people behind the scenes working on the set, amazing costumes and props, all of which made it truly memorable.”