The Tin Man always thought he had no heart, but he does have soul in The Wiz - a funky, updated version of The Wizard of Oz, writes Monica Sloan.

Dorothy's dream world is conjured up by a double cast of 90 young performers from Sands Theatre Arts School - with a little professional help.

The show at the Old Fire Station, Oxford, was adapted from L Frank Baum's mysterious fable of the Emerald City. It is true to the original story, but hinges on rock, gospel and soul music while bringing the language and dialogue up to date.

Ed Shelley as the Tin Man

This stage musical features the same music as the 1978 film The Wiz, which starred Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, but has a different plot.

A professional live band provide the funky soundtrack, with dance choreography by West End performer, Ben Garner, who has appeared in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Cats and Grease.

The first cast are performing until July 19, when the second cast take over, continuing until July 26.

Emily Booth and Anna Bennett, both 14, share the part of Dorothy. The streetwise girl falls asleep in Kansas and wakes up in the land of Oz - where strange events unfold.

She embarks on a journey to find the wizard, with her companions, the Tin Man, the Lion, and Scarecrow, meeting munchkins and witches along the way.

They all want the wizard's help - the Tin Man wants a heart, the Lion wants courage, the Scarecrow wants a brain, and Dorothy wants to go home.

Emily Booth as Dorothy

Director Sandy Heywood has spent four months co-ordinating rehearsals with a huge cast.

The performers, aged seven to 18, meet every Saturday at Wheatley Park School.

The set has a 70s flower power theme, with disco lights, glitter balls and records suspended from the ceiling.

Sandy explains: "It's more or less the same story, but the language is a more up to date and streetwise. The Wiz is a bit more funky, more cool than the original Wizard of Oz, and the music is very different.

"There are lots of weird and wonderful characters."

Sandy, a musician, says the band was a main attraction of the show.

"The music stands up on its own as a gig. There is dialogue between the songs, but it is heavily music-based. The kids are very lucky to have a strong professional team working with them."

The Wiz is at the George Street venue until July 26. Performances are at 7.30pm with Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets are £8.50 (£6.50 conc). There are no performances on July 20 and 21. Box office 01865 876426.