MAKE a date to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at The Dukes this Christmas.

I hear he is a whizz of a wiz, if ever a whizz there was.

Joking aside, though, The Dukes' production of the L Frank Baum children's classic contained all the thrills and spills of the original novel.

The six-strong cast magically transported the audience to Munchkin Land and the dazzling Emerald City, at the play's opening night last Friday (November 20).

Directed by Amy Leach, set design was minimal, if a bit drab, but the six-strong cast more than made up for this with their top notch acting, witty one liners and pitch perfect musical numbers.

A warning to fans of the 1939 film, though – this is a play which remains faithful to the book – but expect a few new surprises along the way.

On more than one occasion, the play's central characters – Dorothy, her canine companion, Toto, the trusty tin man and the loveable lion – made their way into the crowd to delight their young fans.

There's a chance to discover just how the tin man came to be made out of tin, who really is the King of the Forest and what will happen when you don the magic 3D specs and step inside the Emerald City.

A real festive treat from start to finish – not to be missed!

* The Wonderful Wizard of Oz runs until January 2.

Tickets cost £9 to £14. Call 598501.