The Wizard Of Oddsocks is on its way down the Yellow Brick Road to York in January

This tale of adventure, mischief and magic tells the story of Dorothy, her friends and foes in the weird and wonderful Land of Oz after she and her pet dog Toto are swept away from their Kansas home by a cyclone to encounter Wet Witches, Flying Monkeys, Poisonous Poppies and myriad Munchkins.

"Will the Scarecrow find a brain? The Lion some courage? The Tin Man a heart? The audience some ice cream?" ask Oddsocks, who promise new songs, familiar faces, laughs aplenty and "Dorothy as you’ve never seen her before".

Noted for their comic mayhem, the Derby touring company will give L Frank Baum's story a typically quirky Oddsocks spin, while taking a distinctive angle on the storyline, newly seen through the eyes of a surprising choice of storyteller.

Freya Sharp's Dorothy encounters the Munchkins in The Wizard Of Oz

"To me, the story of Oz is about displacement and inventiveness," says writer, creative producer and company co-founder Elli Mackenzie, explaining why Oddsocks have chosen to re-tell The Wizard Of Oz for the audience of today.

"It’s a wonderful fantasy tale of embracing new challenges, new surroundings and learning that we all have an inner-resourcefulness and often already have the brain, heart and courage we need. It’s about realising your own potential.

"In today’s world, the younger generation needs to be resourceful more than ever. There are huge challenges that Dorothy doesn’t have to be just pigtails and gingham; she’s brave, kind and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.

"We hope that audiences leave the theatre with a slightly bigger heart, positively challenged and perhaps a little braver too, but all the while having enjoyed a great evening of entertainment shared with friends and family."

Freya Sharp's Dorothy meets Andrew McGillan's Scarecrow for the first time in Oddsocks' show

Set up by McKenzie and Andy Barrow 28 years ago, Oddsocks have toured to countries as far afield as Jordan and Syria, as well as across Britain, with their combination of comedy and chaos that they bring to the JoRo each winter.

Barrow directs a cast of Elli Mckenzie as Lion, Aunt Em, North Witch and Winkie 2; Freya Sharp as Dorothy; Joseph Maudsley, as Tin Man, Bruiser and Munchkin 2; and Andrew McGillan as Scarecrow, Uncle Henry, Munchkin 3 and Winkie 1.

Gavin Harrison sweeps up no fewer than ten roles as The Wizard of Oz, Wicked Witch, Glinda, Guardian, Winkie 3, Bog, Toto, Stork, Queen Field Mouse and Monkey King. He will be moving to Los Angeles next year - but not for a much-needed rest! - so this will be his last Oddoscks show for a while. 

Just A Quickie with The Wizard Of Oz writer, producer and actress Elli McKenzie

Why did you choose to adapt The Wizard Of Oz?
"It’s a classic family favourite and it’s also renowned enough for us to make nods to the film that people will understand and enjoy.

"Also, it’s a recognisable title in itself. If people don’t know the book, they will know the film and vice versa. So, at Christmas, people like to know what they’re getting. It’s a warm and engaging production for all ages, so it works perfectly for this time of year and our type of tour."

Describe the characters you play...

"I think the Lion is an ‘every person’, in terms of understanding the lack of courage that one may feel at some point in their life. The fear of not having courage is worse than not having courage.

"Feeling a lack of courage is something that everybody will recognise at some point and so I hope I will be able to touch lots of people and their understanding of the Lion character.

"Auntie Em is not exactly a homely or loving kind of person. Perhaps, she is part of the reason Dorothy escapes from the homestead and goes further afield on adventures, because it's possible that Auntie Em isn’t bringing everything Dorothy expects of a loving Aunt. But, what she does have is grit and determination. So, she is a tough cookie with a twinkle.
"...And the Good Witch of the North is just pure fluff, cheese, warmth and 'fairy-ness'".

Do you have a favourite moment in the play?
"Oh, there are going to be lots of favourite moments! One moment is the Wicked Witch of the West’s demise.

"Another favourite moment is the hurricane, due to the ingenious way that we're creating the hurricane. Currently, a huge favourite is the way we're portraying the Munchkins. None of which I can talk about because they are all to be revealed."

Is it intimidating adapting such an iconic story?
"Yes it is! For Oddsocks, it’s less intimidating approaching a big story because we're used to doing that. We do it with Shakespeare and well-known tales. In the past, we’ve done Treasure Island and The Wind In The Willows, so you can’t really get more epic than those tales.

"What's difficult or challenging for us to approach is the reputation that The Wizard Of Oz has, as lots of productions emulate the film. Many theatres have performances which are, basically, the film on stage. So it was daunting and quite challenging to take that on and make it original and our own… but we think we've done it."

What does The Wizard Of Oz portray to an audience today?
"The pure fact that we have the resources within us, to approach life. The Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man are all searching for things that they have already. The strong moral point is the fact that society has the answers and we have the resources. All we have to do is pull together, be aware of the inner strengths that we have and use those for good, not for evil."

What will the York audience take away from Oddsocks'  production?
"I think they will take away a big Christmassy, wintery, emotional and warm hug of a theatre show. They will be engaged; they will laugh… a lot.

"Hopefully, they will also find parts rather moving. There’ll be some great songs to sing along to, some lovely moments of interaction, chances to join in and generally a really good time."

Tickets for January 13's 7.30pm performance are on sale at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk or on 01904 501935.