Final preparations for Hull Truck's The Wizard of Oz (video)

Hollyoaks star Dominique Jackson is preparing to pull on her ruby red slippers for Hull Truck's Christmas production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Final rehearsals are taking place for the show, which opens on Friday and offers a slightly different experience to the Oz most people know. Although all the familiar characters are involved, the show is set in east Yorkshire and Dorothy and the gang swap Kansas for Hull.

Dominique, who played troubled teenager Lauren Valentine, in the long-running Channel 4 series, has also appeared in television series such as Waterloo Road and My Parents are Aliens.

She says: “The theatre is at the heart of the city and it’s my first time in Hull. This is a really unique show especially with the music and the storyline. It’s a different take on the Oz which people will already know about and I can’t wait for everyone to come and see it.”

Family Wildlife Discovery Offer

RSPB Blacktoft Sands

View details

Print voucher

Come and discover the wildlife at Blacktoft Sands nature reserve for just £6. Offer includes entry for 2 adults and up to 3 children, binocular hire and activities for children. Normal value £12.

Terms: Redeem voucher at visitor reception during opening hours, 9am to 5pm. Only, one pair of binoculars per voucher, customers will need to leave car keys as a deposit for binoculars.

Contact: 01405 800024

Valid until: Saturday, June 15 2013

Stephen Lloyd returns to Hull Truck Theatre as Scarecrow following his performance in Reasons to be Cheerful earlier this year. This new production also stars Ben Chamberlain as Tinman and Tom Radford as the cowardly Lion. They’ll be joined by Dyfrig Morris, Lindsay Ashworth and Shirley Darroch.

Local schoolchildren are also being given the chance to hit the stage, taking on the roles of the munchkins and the Wicked Witch’s flying monkeys.

The show features new, original songs and theatre bosses promise a festive treat for children and grown-ups of all ages.

Andrew Smaje, Chief Executive at Hull Truck Theatre, says: ““The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a classic story for all the family - from children to parents to grandparents. It is pure escapism and a great night out full of Christmas fun. Audiences can expect all the warmth and magic and music of a true Hull Truck Christmas!”

To book tickets for the show, which runs until January 13, call the box office on 01482 323638 or visit www.hulltruck.co.uk

For a detailed look at all the main pantomimes in the region this festive season check out the 8-page festive round up in The Guide in tomorrow's Hull Daily Mail.

Read the first review of The Wizard of Oz here on opening night.