Students from Chester-based dance school House of Dance will perform the iconic role of the Munchkins in Storyhouse’s production of The Wizard of Oz.

26 students aged between 8 – 14 will divide into two companies to perform across the 7-week run. The dancers have worked with leading choreographer Carl Parris (West End shows Cats, Anything Goes, Fame and Jesus Christ Superstar) to bring Munchkin country to life. They are set to clock up 50 hours of rehearsals. They will perform the famous Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead using traditional musical-theatre style dance combined with a commercial urban twist.

Julie Guile of House of Dance said

“This is such a wonderful opportunity for our students. They are all incredibly talented, committed and hardworking dancers – Storyhouse is one of the most exciting venues in the north west and a brilliant platform for them to showcase their talent!”

Alex Clifton, artistic director at Storyhouse and director of The Wizard of Oz said:

“We are delighted to work with a city-based dance school, the talent is so impressive!”

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E Y Harburg, directed by Alex Clifton, dance and vocal arrangement by Herbert Stothart and orchestration by Larry Wilcox. Storyhouse’s production will be designed by James Perkins, musical direction by Alex Beetschen, choreography by Carl Parris, sound design by Chris Bogg and lighting design by Prema Mehta.

Tickets are on sale now from £15, book here.