Picture special of Kettering United Theatre Group marking 50th anniversary with Wizard of Oz show

Formed in 1976 by producer-director Sheila Griffiths and choreographer Sheila Meeks as a joint venture between the URC and Toller Churches but was open to all children.

The first production was Pinocchio which was performed at the London Road church and was so successful that following productions were performed at the McKinlay Theatre.

This year’s golden anniversary Wizard of Oz junior show will take place at the Masque Theatre in Barton Seagrave from February 19 to February 21 with four performances.

Former cast member Sheila Jolley said: “We are very family based – some of the children in previous productions have now had children of their own who are now in our 50th production.”

Corinne Avery, 17, who will take part as the Wicked Witch – her ninth and last show as a performer but she will return to help backstage.

She said: “I’m going to miss it, it’s one of the best things I’ve done – it’s given me confidence and friendships.”

Since 1976 there have been 49 shows starting with Pinocchio – other shows have included Oliver, Matilda, Alice in Wonderland and Red Riding Hood.

The group rehearse each week for the show to be performed in February half term, meeting regularly with workshops to introduce children to all aspects of the theatre.

Lucia Wilson will take the lead role of Dorothy directed by United Theatre Group ‘graduate’ Molly Varnfield.

Molly is one of a long line of homegrown talents who have learnt stage craft at the group. She has been so inspired by her experience, she is training to be a drama teacher.

She said: “I know how it feels to be nervous but my confidence has grown. It led me to change my career and I’m doing a PGCE to be a secondary drama teacher.”

During the Wizard of Oz run, the group will be creating a special 50 Years of UTG display in the front-of-house area, filled with photos, scripts, programmes, and stories from across the decades.

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