EVEN clicking their heels three times and saying those famous words couldn't help calm the nerves of the hordes of hopefuls who turned out to audition for the lead part in this year's Christmas show at The Haymarket.

More than 50 girls took a journey down the yellow brick road to The Anvil, on Saturday, to try their luck at landing the role of Dorothy in Anvil Arts' production of The Wizard of Oz.

This is the first time the lead part has been cast locally - and director Richard Williams was extremely impressed with the standard of girls vying for the all-important lead role.

"What a great response to our search for stars," he said. "It just goes to show that Basingstoke has plenty of talent and we will find the best for our audiences to enjoy."

The queue of nervous young girls, aged between 10 and 14, began to build outside The Anvil at 1.30pm, and lots of last-minute preparations could be heard coming from the ladies' toilets.

Candidates were required to sing Over the Rainbow, recite a short speech or poem and had to learn a few dance steps for their audition.

The panel of judges - Mr Williams, choreographer Beejaye Joseph and The Anvil Trust's chief executive Christine Bradwell - will choose two Dorothys, who will alternate performances throughout the run. The successful candidates will be announced later this week.

Ms Bradwell said: "This is the chance of a lifetime for two talented young performers. Taking the leading role alongside our professional cast and production team will be an amazing experience."

The Wizard of Oz will run from Thursday, December 6, to Saturday, January 5, at The Haymarket.