Producer Kevin Wood said: "We are putting dames and glitter to one side and staging a unique one-off production of the Wizard of Oz."

The production is based on the original screenplay from the MGM classic film and although this is a brand-new production the script was originally used by the Royal Shakespeare Company when they put on the show at the Barbican.

"It is as close to the movie as you can get," Kevin said. " All the well-known songs are there and much of the dialogue."

Pantomime lovers will not be disappointed as Kevin has promised some amazing special effects. The scarecrow catches fire, the witch flies on her broomstick and the twister when Dorothy is transported to Oz should have the audience riveted to their seats.

Directing the show is award-winning musical star Tim Flavin. Although he has directed many productions this is the first time he has directed in his home town.

"I have been trying to direct in Brighton for a long time. Hopefully now I have got a foot in the door I'll be able to do it again."

Tim has a busy Christmas ahead because not only is he directing, he is also choreographer and playing the role of the Scarecrow.

"You have to be insane to direct and act in a show," he said. "There was Laurence Olivier, Kenneth Branagh and now me!"

Tim will be supported by his Associate Director and choreographer Graeme Henderson so when he is wearing his straw costume he will be receiving direction himself.

Instead of the usual television stars a cast of West End musical professionals have been engaged for the show.

"I have a personal bugbear against celebrities in pantomime," Tim said. "Things have changed now. I am a musical theatre actor and in my day you worked very hard and worked your way up to star in a show. Now anyone can become a celebrity, you just have to sign up for a game show.

"I am competing against Big Brother contestants for parts. They are not qualified to be there and I am losing work to them."

Although Natalie Hope donned Dorothy's costume at the press preview the role will be played by Aimee Atkinson. Playing the cowardly lion is Gareth Marks, son of actor Alfred Marks and the Tin Man is Jon Clairmonte.

There is still one important role due to be cast. All dramatic dogs who dream of a theatrical career are invited to bring their owners to their audition at the Theatre Royal at 10am on Saturday October 11th.

Ideally Toto should be a terrier (in the film they used a Cairn Terrier) and must be good around people, comfortable being handled and picked up by the actress playing Dorothy and able to fit inside Miss Gultch's basket – this will be part of the audition.

They are looking for three dogs to share the role and they will be judged by Producer Kevin Wood who is the Chief Executive of First Family Entertainment, Marketing Manager Laura Taylor and office manager and dog lover Anne Cable.

Amanda Wilkins

The Wizard of Oz, The Theatre Royal, Brighton, December 5 2008 – January 4 2009