When L Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz, he probably didn't imagine it featuring a live band or a troupe of tripping poppies. That's what The Wiz is, though, and there's also a lion with an inferiority complex, a wizard with issues and toe-tapping 1970s numbers that make you want to boogie in the aisles. And despite the show being at least twenty years older than most of the members of the Sands Theatre Arts School, and despite it being more closely associated with Motown than Summertown, this youthful theatre group have managed to capture all of the crazy, lazy-days feel of Charlie Small's score. They have also squeezed bucket-loads of infectious enthusiasm into the tiny theatre at the Old Fire Station.

The production is led by a confident Emily Booth as Dorothy, who finds herself in Oz after a tornado hits the family farm in Kansas. Oz is home to a tin man in search of a heart (Ed Shelley), a scarecrow seeking a brain (Will Rooney) and a lion (Aidan Jones) seeking more than his therapist can offer: courage. These young actors work endearingly well together, clearly enjoying every minute of the music, dance and drama, and conveying the witty script and wacky one-liners with intelligence and maturity. Also outstanding are Amy Arora as Aunt Em and Michael Betteridge as the Wiz himself.

Supporting this sextet is a huge cast of young people aged from 7 to 18, who manage to fill the whole theatre with music and glorious technicolour. Coping with some complex music and choreography, including a synchronised scooter formation, the ensemble create roles ranging from munchkins to wheelies.

Much praise is due to the production team - director Sandy Heywood and choreographer Ben Garner - as well as the cast, crew and band for putting together such an enjoyable show. Mr Baum must be spinning in his grave, and thoroughly enjoying the exercise.

Olivia Rowland, 16.07.03