A theatre in the heart of Norwich has a magical treat for audiences as it brings back its in-house Christmas show for the first time since the pandemic. 

The 2023 festive season marks 70 years since The Norwich Players first put on a family Christmas show as an alternative to panto.

In 1953 this was Beauty and the Beast and seven decades later is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which will run from December 15 to 30.

Norwich Evening News: A previous Norwich Players production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Picture: Barry ParsonsA previous Norwich Players production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Picture: Barry Parsons (Image: Barry Parsons)

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Laura Landamore, who is playing the Wicked Witch of the West, said: "For the two years after lockdown it was difficult for us to put on an expensive Christmas show, so the theatre brought in a visiting company and they did two years of panto.

"But this year we are bringing back our yearly tradition with a non-musical version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."

Norwich Evening News:  The Norwich Players cast of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Picture: Andrew Florides The Norwich Players cast of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Picture: Andrew Florides (Image: Andrew Florides)

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After a cyclone lifts up her house and drops it on an evil witch in a faraway land, young Dorothy becomes an unlikely hero to the Munchkin people and sets out on an epic quest to return home.

Book tickets at maddermarket.co.uk or call 01603 620917 to book for the relaxed performance at 2pm on December 22.

Tickets cost £15.23 for under 18s and £20.48 for adults.