WITH apologies to every member of a talented cast, there was one standout performance on Tuesday's opening night, a performance that drew ooohs and aaahs from the audience and impressed with its sheer professionalism. Yes, Dotty the miniature Schnauzer, in her first stage role as Toto, was extraordinarily assured, and entirely unfazed by the drama unfolding around her.

But Dotty wasn't alone in impressing - the quartet of young actors taking centre stage as Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion were mesmerising. Holly Clack inhabited the role of Dorothy as if born to it - her Kansas accent never slipped, her singing was spot on, her performance of the iconic Somewhere over the Rainbow sincere and moving and her characterisation of the girl who has to learn 'there's no place like home' totally convincing.

Joining her on her journey down the yellow brick road were Jack Chambers as Scarecrow, Elliot Gooch as Tin Man and Lewis Booton as Lion, three more great performances - brilliantly sung and utterly credible, all inhabiting their characters with charm, sincerity and great physical presence.

Emily Saunders gave Glinda the requisite sweetness and Katie Davis cackled with conviction as the Wicked Witch of the West, while Richard Davies did the honours as the eponymous Wizard.

As always, the company provided the leads with fabulous support in some stunning set pieces and charm was evident in spades from the children recruited to play the Munchkins.

Add in flying and fireworks and The Wizard of Oz is undoubtedly one of HMTC's most spectacular productions in recent years.

The Wizard of Oz runs at The Courtyard until Saturday. To book, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk