A SCHOOL’S theatre was transformed into the Land of Oz for two nights of witch craft and wizardry.

Two musical performances on Monday and Tuesday saw Chetwynde School’s performance of The Wizard of Oz receive rousing applause from sell-out crowds.

The performance presented the school’s adaptation of the 1939 American children’s classic film about a young girl called Dorothy along with her dog Toto, who are swept away from their home of Kansas to a land of magical beings.

Chetwynde drama teacher, Colynne Hicks said: “It was an incredible show, which even included state-of-the-art green screens, used for dramatic effect.

“From start to finish, the pupils were utterly professional.”

The production’s culmination saw six months of hard work from more than100 children and10 teachers.

The Wizard of Oz stared talented pupils from all years of the school with standout performances from pupil Maya Crellin taking on the role of Wicked Witch of the West.

Other featured lead roles including Dorothy, who was played over the two nights by Nyla Lightfoot and Imogen Jones.

Will Denby was the Wizard, who appeared both live and on the green screen.

Ms Hicks heaped particular praise on the pupils, who sang family classic Over the Rainbow.

“From start to finish the children were fantastic.”

Director and teacher, Katherine Parkinson said: “We’re very proud of the whole cast.

“And it’s great to see both shows proved to be sell outs.”

As well as helping with the Chetwynde performance, Ms Parkinson also runs The Forum’s popular children’s theatre company KS Musicals.

“Ms Parkinson was able to help the Chetwynde students make the show that more magical,” said Ms Hicks.

“It’s been a great year for Chetwynde’s pupils and their magical performances.”

The two-night main Wizard of Oz performances were the final events from Chetwynde’s pupils until the school starts up its new set of production auditions in September.