Yellow Brick Road leads to Church Hill Theatre

Balerno Theatre Comany cast of The Wizard of Oz.

Director Audrey Jones says, “This year marks the 25th anniversary of Balerno Theatre Company, one of the most active members of the amateur scene in Edinburgh.

“With that in mind, we have had a year of celebrations, starting with a highly successful Showcase, and finishing up with an epic production of the Wizard of Oz and we invite everyone to follow the Yellow Brick Road in this exhilarating new production of the beloved classic fantasy.”

When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz, meeting a Scarecrow in need of a brain, a Tin Man in need of a heart, and a Cowardly Lion along the way.

Jones continues, “As well as more than 50 talented local performers taking to the stage, we are using a flying rig for the first time ever in the Church Hill Theatre, to allow our Glinda, Wicked Witch, monkeys and crows the opportunity to descend from above.

“Our amazing technical and design team have come up with sequences and backgrounds which will dazzle you, and as if that wasn’t enough excitement, we also have special effects, lighting and pyrotechnics galore to bring this wonderful Christmas musical to life.”

Formerly the Balerno Community Songsters, the Balerno Theatre Company was formed in 1999, placing the emphasis on having fun while producing shows with professionalism.

The company’s previous productions have included classic musicals such as Annie, The King and I and Hello, Dolly!, as well as many home-grown shows.

Performers are drawn from across the Capital and the company boasts a cast of 65 singers and dancers of all ages, as well as a dedicated team of helpers.

The Wizard of Oz, Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, Wednesday-Saturday, 7.30pm (matinees 2pm), £12-£14, 07518-138 874