PLENTY of heart, courage and brain has been needed to produce this year's show at St Michael's RC School, in Billingham.

Young actors at the specialist science school are staging a version of the Wizard of Oz.

Tickets are already selling for the production and, after Billingham's Forum Theatre was recently forced to close due to wind damage, it is expected to be a sell-out.

The show features familiar characters, including the Tin Man who needs courage, the Lion Without a Heart, and the Scarecrow Without a Brain.

Jeremy McMurray, head of drama, said: "We have had great fun bringing the production together. The songs are timeless classics and I'm sure audiences will enjoy the experience."

Recent productions of My Fair Lady, Aladdin and Fiddler on the Roof have been sell-outs at the school. The Wizard of Oz will be staged from Monday to Wednesday, February 7 to 9, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £4.50 for adults or £3.50 for concessions. Call (01642) 870003 to book.

Published: 28/01/2005