Shiphay cast will turn to an all-time panto favourite to delight audiences

All roads lead to Shiphay and the Land of Oz in a few days' time.
The Shiphay Amateur Dramatic Society is about to stage its annual pantomime - and this year it's one of the all-time favourites, the Wizard of Oz.
The cast have been rehearsing for a couple of months with the curtain due to go up on the show at St John's Church Hall in Cadewell Lane, Shiphay, Torquay between Thursday January 11 and Saturday January 13.
The doors open every night at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. There is also a matinee performance on the Saturday (2pm for 2.30pm).
The Wizard of Oz follows the fortunes and misfortunes of Dorothy (played by Jemma Nyquist) and her beloved dog Toto as they battle for a meeting with the Wizard (David Easton) coming across the famous lion, scarecrow and tinman along the way. Will Dorothy's red shoes save her from the clutches of the Wicked Witch? Find out by buying a ticket (£8.50p adults; £5 under 16s) from the Shiphay Post Office or by going to www.shiphayam- dram.co.uk
Tickets are selling fast for the panto which is directed by Jack Davis and with the script from Alex Jackson.
The history of S.A.D.S begins in 1957 with the foundation of a society based at the St John's Church Hall. Early productions were achieved with some difficulty, in that there was no stage, and each production required the construction of a temporary structure made out of trestle tables! Apparently the stage right entrance was up a step ladder and through a window. It seems unlikely that Health and Safety would allow that to happen these days
It has always been a proud boast of the society that it has been 'ahead of the game' - in many cases presenting the amateur premiere in the area.
And going back to the Wizard of Oz show, people, especially the children, are being encouraged to turn up in fancy dress.