FOLLOW the yellow brick road to St Helens Theatre Royal this half-term to see The Wizard of Oz.

Opening tomorrow (Saturday), Regal Entertainments' production of the classic tale, featuring a real dog playing Toto, returns to the theatre from October 22 to 30.

Joining the cast is former Eastenders actress Cheryl Fergison, who will swap the streets of Walford to play the part of The Wicked Witch of the West.

Charlotte Gallagher, playing Dorothy, will be joined by theatre regulars Phillip McGuiness as the Tinman, Simon Foster as the Lion, Liam Mellor as the Scarecrow and Radio City's Claire Simmo as Glinda the Good Witch.

Actress Cheryl Fergison, who played Heather Trott in the soap for many years, is no stranger to pantomime, having appeared in Cinderella, Jack and The Beanstalk and Beauty and the Beast.

So she is looking forward to getting stuck into the role of the Wicked Witch of the West and changing her famous headband for a pointy hat and green stage make-up.

Cheryl said: "I am so looking forward to coming to the Theatre Royal St Helens and being part of an amazing cast and crew of the Wizard of Oz this October. It is one of my favourite stories with a great message and is loved by all ages. 

“"I am looking forward to playing the Wicked Witch of the West... Baddies are always fun to play and a contrast from other characters I have portrayed in the past."

Chantelle Nolan, theatre manager said: "Cheryl is such an amazing actress and a real character so she is perfect for the role of the Wicked Witch of the West and the cast and I can't wait to welcome her to St Helens.

"We know the audience will love her – when they're not booing her that is…!"

The panto is on from Saturday, October 22 to Sunday, October 30 with shows at 1pm and 5pm.

Tickets cost £12 for adults, £11 for concessions, £10 for children, with family tickets at £42.

To book go to the box office in Corporation Street, call 756000 or log on to sthelenstheatreroyal.com.