The green, mean witch in question will take to the stage next week in Halifax Amateur Operatic Society's production of L Frank Baum's classic tale The Wizard of Oz.

Vanessa Buckley, 34, plays the Wicked Witch of the West and is joined on stage by a huge cast including her eight-year-old daughter Lucy, who plays a Munchkin.

The production arrives at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax on Wednesday and promises to bring a vibrant performance of song, dance, special effects and laughs for all the family.

The much-loved story follows the adventures of Dorothy Gale (Helen Kapil) and her beloved dog Toto on their exciting adventures over the rainbow. And the society found a willing Toto, Jack Madej, who is already quite the expert, having played Toto on two previous occasions.

Helen has been rehearsing hard since December and is thrilled to be taking part in her first production with HAOS as Dorothy. She said: "I am so happy to be part of such a wonderful society; everybody has made me feel so welcome. Dorothy is an extremely challenging role and a role that I never thought that I'd get chance to play. But here I am and I am so excited to be doing it."

Also joining HAOS for the first time this year are brainless Scarecrow Andy Milthorpe and heartless Tinman Chris Madej. Together with experienced Michael Johnson as the Cowardly Lion, they complete the comedy trio of characters that Dorothy befriends on her daring quest to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Gerard Maresceaux) - quest that is hampered by the terrifying and wickedest Witch of the West and her frightful band of winkies and flying monkeys.

Yvonne White, the society's publicity manager, said: "The society is pleased to have welcomed many new faces as well as welcoming back previous members to help create the huge cast which now totals just less than 100 - 52 of whom are aged between three and 16.

"Director Andrew Whitworth, musical director Giselle Herbert and choreographer Angela Marshall are working towards a performance that is a little different from any seen before."

The Wizard of Oz will run at the Victoria Theatre from Wednesday until Saturday at 7.15pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.

Tickets, £9, £11 and £15 (family tickets and discounts available) are on sale at the Victoria Theatre box office: 01422 351158.