THE Yellow Brick Road led to three packed performances of The Wizard of Oz, at Haslemere’s Woolmer Hill School.

More than 60 pupils showed off their singing, dancing and acting skills in the school’s production of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s version of the classic MGM musical, directed by Woolmer Hill’s head of drama Ruth Ahmed.

Year eight student Cerys Ransom gave a touching performance as Dorothy, supported by Dan Wilks as a funny, bumbling Scarecrow. George Adam played the lovelorn Tin Man with gentle pathos, and Dave Parrott as the Cowardly Lion, showing real comic timing.

Savannah Congdon gave a delightful portrayal as Glinda, dressed in a gown of twinkling lights, while Lauren Cockerill showed a real contrast as the Wicked Witch of the West, they performed a powerful and moving duet.

Esme Stroud was a convincingly grumpy Miss Gulch, and Rhys McLaren and Honor Morgan created a lovelable Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. Gemma Drake brought wonderful comedy to her role as the Emerald City Guard, as did the diminutive Alix Kelly as a friendly Wizard with a technically enhanced booming voice accompanied by clouds of smoke, who stepped as a little man with a squeaky voice.

Equally funny, were Anastasia Alexandru, Louisa Cave, Jo Hendry, Becky Kirby and Cerys McIntosh as Trees, and Rosie Roebuck and Eloise Hatherall-Good as the Crows. The ensemble cast played Munchkins and Oznians with gusto, as did the spooky Monkeys.

The impressive ballet and tap dances were choreographed by the pupils themselves with some support from PE teacher Nicola Bell, and the live band of former and current students was led by Matthew Nash.

Pupils also helped behind the scenes with stage-management, lighting and sound, costume and make-up. Design and technology teacher Darren Freeman and his team created a simple, yet fantastically evocative set.

Head teacher Clare Talbot said: “The production was stunning. Every year I think the pupils and staff cannot out do the last year’s school production and then they do, as with this year’s production. 

“I am extremely proud of our talented pupils. Well done to all involved.”