Follow the yellow brick road to am dram show

Our am dram guru

casts her expert eye over the shows that you should be looking out for this week.

One of the most popular shows in the West End at the moment is The Wizard of Oz. Following the success of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's search for Dorothy and Toto last summer, the show is smashing box office records with an amazing cast, incredible special effects and the feel good factor that always comes with musicals based on classic stories.

Cannot afford a trip to the big city? Well, here in the West Midlands we have our very own version, presented by Tipton Arts, at the Mill Theatre, Dormston Centre, Sedgley from June 30-July 2.

Tipton Arts has delivered over ten years of musical theatre performances, including The Sound of Music, Oliver! Oklahoma! Annie, and many pantomimes

Dorothy is played by 12-year-old High School pupil, Katie Mainwood from Dudley. Joining her is musical theatre degree student, Will Phipps from Wolverhampton and Tipton maths teacher, Tim Swallow as the Tin man.

Rachel Coleman, also a student of musical theatre has agreed to play the part of the Cowardly lion, with just couple of weeks to go after another member had to drop out of the show – quite a challenge and lots of learn, but that's am dram!

Spokesman for the group, Will Phipps said: "Tipton Arts are always willing to accept and nurture talent. Uniquely forming a family based society, with all family members being able to take part in some form or other."

For tickets, call 0121 502 3601, email tiptonarts@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.tiptonarts.webs.com

Walsall Gilbert and Sullivan are performing a concert of brass and

voice, together with the West Midlands Police Brass Band on July 2 at Brownhills School, Deakin Avenue.

The band are joined by guest soprano, Abigail Rhodes in a programme aimed to please everyone, including items from the Savoy Operas, popular shows and a classical repertoire ending with a typical proms style finale.

With tickets priced at just £8 each, it promises to be a lovely evening.

Contact Jo Jones on 01922 452970 or emmajones32@blueyonder.co.uk to purchase.

One of the most challenging musicals for amateur performers surely has to be Mel Brooks' zany comedy, guaranteed to offend everyone, The Producers.

West Bromwich Operatic Society is performing this madcap extravaganza at The New Alex Theatre in Birmingham later this year and is currently looking for new members.

General chorus members and dancers are welcome. The group are already in rehearsal though and casting of the main roles is on June 27, so time is of the essence.

For more information contact John Wetherall on 07966331306.

Lovers of The Bard can look forward to a wonderful open-air production of The Tempest, presented by Off the Page Theatre Company, from August 13-14 at Wightwick Manor & Gardens and August 24-25 at Bantock House and Museum.

Off the Page specialise in the works of William Shakespeare and are so name due to their desire and commitment to bring Shakespeare's words "Off the Page". The company believe that Shakespeare did not write his plays to be read, but to be performed out loud in front of an audience.

The group believe in "Shakespeare for All" and hope to perform for people who may not have experienced his plays before, as well as to those who regularly enjoy Shakespeare and the theatre generally.

Their performances take place both in traditional and unusual theatre spaces, from the most intimate studio to vast open-air spaces. Tomorrow, the group is holding an open audition day at Bantock House and Park between 11am and 4.30pm in order to cast The Tempest. Just go along with a theatrical speech of your choice and wow them in the aisles. For further information on the company visit www.offthepagetheatre.co.uk or email offthepagetheatre@talktalk.net

Over in Shropshire, audiences will be delighted to know that The Wellington Theatre Company with Belfrey Youth Theatre are presenting the every-popular tale of rags to riches, Annie, at the Belfrey Theatre from July 1-3 and then July 8-10.

Based on the story of Little Orphan Annie, this show contains some unforgettable tunes including Easy Street, It's a Hard-Knock Life and of course Tomorrow.

The group have two cast members appearing in the title role, Rachel Allcock and Erin Shrimpton and in fact Erin is also the proud owner of Guinness, the dog who will take the role of Annie's companion, Sandy. Clever Erin taught her dog to come to his stage name even before the audition! That's showbiz kid!

Kevin Read-Jones reprises his favourite role as Daddy Warbucks, having previously played it back in 1999. Members of the Belfrey Youth Theatre, aged 8-12 years old are appearing as the orphans.

For tickets contact 01952 222277 or visit www.belfreytheatre.com

That's all for this week. Remember to email me at a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk with all your news and photographs.

Break a leg!