OYSTER Theatre is auditioning for The Wizard of Oz in Walkerburn next weekend. Acting, singing, dancing - there’s something for everyone!

Oyster Theatre’s first production was in 2012. Walkerburn Hall needed to raise funds for upkeep, so a play written by Sue Tickner, 'Finale’, was performed by local youngsters and proved to be a huge success with the audience and an enthusiastic cast.

This was just the beginning. “What are we doing next?”, they asked. The cast were engaged and demanding another show.

Having directed many pantomimes for Tweed Theatre, Sue decided to throw the cast in at the deep end with a panto. Some of them had never seen a pantomime and were understandably confused by the gender issues, with the Principle Boy being played by a female and the Dame played by a male etc. Oyster Theatre delivered a fantastic performance of Alice in Wonderland and the cast being deservedly very proud were now really hooked.

In 2013, with an ever growing cast, they produced another panto, Snow White & The Seven Dwarves. Much laughter and learning along the way resulted in another great success.

It was time then for a departure from comedy to a classic. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was chosen and proved to be ideal. Personalities blossomed, confidence grew and working as a team was now second nature.

Again the question, “What are we doing next?” This being asked before the current rehearsals had barely got under way.

So here it is, this year’s pantomime and exciting adventure, The Wizard of Oz, will be staged at Walkerburn Public Hall on Friday, December 12 (evening), Saturday, December 13 (matinee and evening) and Sunday, December 14 (matinee).

Auditions take place at Walkerburn Public Hall on Sunday, September 14, from 2pm to 5pm.