Pupils from New Milton’s Ballard School Follow the Yellow Brick Road for theatre production of The Wizard of Oz at Christchurch’s Regent Centre

AN impressive production of the Wizard of Oz involving more than 230 pupils from Ballard school is set to take to the stage at Christchurch’s Regent Centre.

A further 30 students will be providing support backstage to enable the two casts to deliver six performances accompanied by an orchestra of pupils and staff playing live.

The bespoke costumes, sets and lighting are also being created by staff and students at the New Milton school.

Victoria Gray, director of performing arts at Ballard School, said: “It’s a mammoth undertaking but we believe that being involved in productions like this is incredibly important for the development of our pupils’ confidence, resilience, and teamwork.

“More importantly, it is also a hugely fun and memorable part of their education – so we encourage everyone to embrace the opportunity of being part of a big professionally-staged show.

“The children are working incredibly hard, and it is exciting to see this show come together. It’s looking amazing, and our audiences certainly won’t be disappointed.”

Headteacher Andrew McCleave said: “I congratulate all those involved in our brilliant school productions, including the staff who work incredibly hard to bring them together. They hardly paused for breath before throwing themselves into work on The Wizard of Oz.”

The production will run at The Regent from 28th June to 1st July.

Local school children will be among the first to see it, with Brockenhurst Primary School, St Luke’s Primary School in Sway and Hordle Primary School among those invited to attend a special matinee performance.

The new production follows on the heels of the hugely successful Frozen Jnr. which involved a 120-strong cast and was performed at the school.

Tickets for the Wizard of Oz can be purchased by visiting www.regentcentre.co.uk/event/76168