They’re off to see the Wizard!

The full cast for this year’s summer youth project at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre, supported by the Messenger, have begun rehearsals.

The lead role of Dorothy has gone to 14-year-old Jodie McMillan who will be joined on her travels by Tom Falconar, 16, who plays the Scarecrow, Curtis Sutherland, 18, who is playing the Tinman and Xhanti Nyangwa, 15, who plays the Lion.

Jodie, a Dartford Grammar School for Girls’ pupil, was in last year’s production, Footloose, playing Urleen, but was surprised to bag the lead role this year.

She told the Messenger: “I went to the auditions and got one of the principal parts last year, and I just really liked the people and so I thought I’d come back and do it again this year.

“I didn’t expect to get Dorothy so it was quite a shock.”

The summer youth project gives more than 100 youngsters the chance to sing, act and dance at the theatre in Home Gardens under the supervision of a highly-skilled production team, including a professional director, choreographer and musical director.

The Wiz, which began as a stage musical in 1974, is a version of the original novel by L. Frank Baum.

The songs are soul numbers such as Ease On Down the Road, completely different to those in the classic 1939 film with Judy Gardland.

The show runs at 7.30pm from Thursday, August 21, to Saturday August, 23, with a matinee at 2.30pm on the Saturday.

To book tickets visit www.orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.