STEVE Padfield directs a cast of more than 40 young performers, many of them appearing on stage for the first time, in Flying Ducks Youth Theatre’s production of The Wiz at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, this week.

In this modern, urban version of Frank L Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, Dorothy’s journey through the surreal Land of Oz to the Emerald City is told through rock, gospel and soul songs and energetic dances.

From tonight until Saturday, Flying Ducks present this award-winning musical adventure, written by Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown in 1974.

As ever the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion will be joining Dorothy on her quest to find The Wiz, the man she needs to help her return home to Kansas, and there is still the matter of the Wicked Witch of the West to confront.

Principal roles go to Megan Hardcastle as Dorothy; Ryan Jeffery as the Scarecrow; Tom Wilson as the Tinman; Jake Telfer as the Lion and Aaron Blanchard as The Wiz.

Steve Padfield is joined in the production team by assistant director Lou O’Brien and musical director Don Pears.

The set has been designed by Flying Ducks founder Stephen Outhwaite and promises to be spectacular and full of surprises.

Tickets for the 7.30pm evening shows and 2.30pm Saturday matinee cost £10, concessions £8, on 01904 768963, at flyingducksyouththeatre.com or from the York Theatre Royal box office located in the De Grey Rooms.