BUDDING young actors are giving a modern treatment to an old classic.

The theatre school at Durham's Gala Theatre has been staging Wiz, the rock version of The Wizard of Oz, with the final performances taking place today.

More than 70 youngsters, aged eight to 18, are involved in the production, some of them helping out backstage.

In the audience for the show's opening night were the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Ray Gibbon, and his wife, Margaret.

The Wiz features all the characters of the much-loved original but they have all been transported into the 21st Century.

A theatre spokesman said: "The Yellow Brick Road has a life of its own and the music will have you jiving in the aisles.

"It is a nice little show and the kids have worked very hard, doing costumes and things. It is an end-of-term jamboree.''

The show will be performed again at 2pm and 7.30pm.

Some tickets, which cost £11.50, are still available. The box office can be contacted on 0191-332 4041.