AUDIENCES at the Palace Theatre considered Oz so wiz two years ago it is back for a second outing starting on Friday.

The Westcliff venue will be transformed into a fantasy world of Munchkins, sorcerers, witches and a bewildered girl with bunches guided along the yellow brick road by Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man.

The family musical reopened the Palace in 2006, following a long period of closure and it now features once again as this year’s Christmas production.

Director John Newman says: “It was so popular last time round people were coming along to try to get tickets a week after the show closed.

“Some people saw it seven times. Since then, there have been continual requests to bring it back.”

“The cast includes several familiar faces from previous Christmas productions, including former Pinocchio Lisa Cassidy, as Dorothy, and Zach Vanderfelt, who took the title role in last year’s Toad of Toad Hall, as Lion.”

The undoubted four-legged star of the show though is Shani, who will reprise her scene-stealing role as Dorothy’s dog Toto.

“Last time, all the audience went ‘ahhh’ when Dorothy put Shani in a basket and her tail was left sticking out,” says owner Ruth Levi.

While Shani, a bitch, will be playing a boy dog, Lisa Cassidy is more used to playing young blokes, both as a panto Aladdin and as the puppet Pinocchio. “It almost feels strange playing a girl again,” says Lisa, 28.

“The key to Dorothy is she is a baffled teenager. Once you understand that, it’s quite easy to slip into the part. The only other rule is never to watch the Judy Garland film, so you don’t end up trying to be like her.” Lisa, although a dog-lover, is mildly allergic to dogs. “It’s not as bad as with cats, who bring me out in a rash and make my throat close up,” she says.

“Still, Shani licked my face in the middle of singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. If I can get through that, I can get through anything.”

The Wizard of Oz begins on Friday and runs until Sunday, January 4. Adults tickets start at £10, with concessions £9. Discounts will be given to schools and large groups of people.

Shows will be held twice a day, in the afternoon and evening. For more information, call 01702 351135.