QUEEN Elizabeth’s School’s Theatre Academy was this week back in action with a stunning production of "The Wiz”, and audiences who have seen performances have been full of praise.

Those who followed the Yellow Brick Road to Western Road said they could not believe the impressive ability of the actors, the quality of their singing, their agility on stage and how the performances were presented.

The super soul musical is a creative retelling of L Frank Baum’s iconic "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, and the QE students put their heart and soul into each performance.

Directed and choreographed by QE’s Head of Drama, Vicky Evans, with musical direction from Lucy Welsman, "The Wiz" follows Dorothy and her faithful dog Toto on their adventures to the Emerald City of Oz where she encounters and befriends a host of colourful characters.

The 1975 Broadway production of "The Wiz" won seven Tony Awards, including Best Music and went on to have revivals in New York, London, San Diego and the Netherlands.

Before the first performance on Tuesday, February 1, Vicky Evans said: “After the challenges of the past 20 months we are so excited to be able to get back on stage and do what we do best, offering our local community the opportunity to watch and enjoy a fantastic musical performed by our incredibly talented students.

"The cast have been rehearsing with real dedication, determination and enthusiasm and I am full of admiration for their efforts.

"We do hope you will be able to join us, for what promises to be a fabulous evening of musical entertainment.”

Performances have been staged at 7.30pm each evening with the final performance today, Saturday, February 5, also with a 2.30pm matinee.

The QE Drama Hall at Western Road was transformed into a full set for the performances.

The cast includes: Dorothy - Mia Hodge, Scarecrow - Eliza Moore, Tinman - Joe McLoughlin, Lion - James Webster, The Wiz - Kaia Darvill, Addaperle - Katie Baptist, Glinda - Bonnie Lowden, Evillene - Jasmine Larkman, Aunt Em - Sophie Crossley-Hardeman, Uncle Henry - Doug Coningsby-Pogson, The Royal Gatekeeper - Theo Whish, Lord High Underling - Doug Coningsby-Pogson, Soldier Messenger - Molly Brady, Winged Monkey - Sam Stephenson, Field Mouse 1 - Thanushri Monoharan, Field Mouse 2 - Shay Wheeler.

Munchkins were: Katy Eggen, Hetta Peck, Scarlett Williamson, Ruby Melville and Mae Addis.

Crows were: Sam Stephenson, Bonnie Lowden, Bethany Moore and Florence Terry.

Yellow Brick Road - Molly Brady, Hetta Peck, Neve Hall, Etta Fawssett, Francesca Webster and Matilda Paul.

Emerald Citizens were: Sophie Crossley-Hardeman, Charlotte Mannion, Francesca Webster and Emma Tandy.

Winged Monkeys: Hetta Peck, Thanushri Manoharan, Katy Eggen, Mae Addis and Etta Fawssett.

The Ensemble included: Bonnie Lowden, Sam Stephenson, Florence Terry, Bethany Moore, Molly Brady, Thanushri Manoharan, Katy Eggen, Scarlett Williamson, Hetta Peck, Doug Coningsby-Pogson, Reece Carter, Theo Whish, Shay Wheeler, Ben Newcombe, Isaac Olsson, Emma Tandy, Mae Addis, Francesca Webster, Isabelle Williams, Jessica Gregory, Sophie Crossley-Hardeman, Charlotte Mannion, Poppy Harrison, Neve Hall, Matilda Paul, Etta Fawssett and Alice Smith.

Mike Palmer, who went along on the opening night, said on social media: “Once again congratulations to QE Theatre Academy on your production of ‘The Wiz’.

“A really joyful evening. Well done to all on stage, offstage, the great band, set designers and builders, costume team, in fact to all involved.

“Lucy and Vicky, you keep inspiring these young people.

“Well done to you both, especially in these difficult times. Very best wishes for the rest of the week.”

Tickets, priced at £12 for adults, £10 for students, are available from QE School Libraries, telephone 01363 778365.

This amateur production of "The Wiz" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd: www.concordtheatricals.co.uk .