REHEARSALS are well under way for what could be the most ambitious and exciting production from North Tawton?s popular amateur dramatic group yet.

ANTS (Actors of North Tawton) are now putting the finishing touches to their musical production of Wizard of Oz, which opens in the town hall on February 26.

Vice-chairman Wendy Hill said: ?I think it?s going to be one of the best shows yet. The special effects are getting better and better, the costumes are great ? it?s going to be really good!?

Due to the success of previous productions by ANTS, the Wizard of Oz will have a four-night run of performances, plus a charity event.

Wendy said: ?It?s the first time we?ve actually put it on for four days, but because we seem to sell out these days and people were getting disappointed not to get in, we?re trying the extra night.?

And producer Twiggy Lake has broken one of the golden rules of theatre this year ? one of the stars of the show is Dorothy?s dog Toto ? who is played by a Jack Russell terrier called Stan!

Twiggy said: ?I?ve worked with children, but I?ve never worked with animals before! He?s been coming to rehearsals for a couple of weeks now, getting used to Dorothy and the lights and the noise ? he?s been very good!?

Twiggy said all the stops have been pulled out for this production ? and without giving away any secrets, the audience will be feeling the action as well as watching it!

?It?s quite a big show technically,? Twiggy hinted.

The Wizard of Oz includes a cast of more than 30 and is based on the popular story with Dorothy, the Lion, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Wizard himself. There will be plenty of music and colour to enjoy ? plus a few surprises!

The performances take place in North Tawton Town Hall at 7.30pm from February 26 to March 1. Tickets, priced £4 adults, £2.50 children, are available from the post office, North Tawton Stores and the dentists? surgery.