A SCHOOL is continuing its tradition of staging full-scale musicals at Durham’s Gala Theatre with a colourful production of The Wizard of Oz.

Durham High School for Girls’ performance includes children from Year 7 to Upper Sixth Form - as well as a pet dog called Lily, who plays Toto.

Assistant head teacher Linda Ibbott said: “Our productions are a team effort. Participation by students is not limited to just those seen on stage.

“Behind the scenes girls are stage managers, choreographers, musicians, sound and lighting technicians, hair and makeup, wardrobe assistants as well as members of our backstage crew.

“They have been rehearsing for months.”

Mrs Ibbott added: “This is a great grounding for our students, because we have a history of them going on to do theatre studies at university and ending up on the professional stage.”

The show opened tonight, with remaining performances at at 7.30pm tomorrow and Saturday, as well as a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday. Box office: 03000 266600.