A Lowestoft youth theatre company is celebrating after signing a deal to perform in front of up to 200 people at a well-known venue in the town.

The B&B Theatre Company will be treading the boards and heading for the Yellow Brick Road at the home of the Lowestoft Players at the Bethel in Battery Green Road for its production of the musical The Wizard of Oz in April.

It is the fourth production put on by the company, which was formed in 2009, and the group cannot wait to rehearse and perform at the Bethel.

The B&B Theatre Company now hopes young people in the town and surrounding areas can join in the fun by auditioning for roles this weekend for The Wizard of Oz, the enduring tale of Dorothy and her new-found friends, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the cowardly Lion in a land of magic and mystery.

Ryan Holt, chairman of The B&B Theatre Company, said: 'We're really excited to be presenting our fourth musical production at The Players Theatre and looking forward to casting it.

'We welcome all young people to audition, regardless of experience and hope you will join us on the journey along the yellow brick road.'

The B&B Theatre Company was set up in 2009 by three teenagers from the town who all had a drive and passion for acting and the arts industry.

For the past three years the theatre company have grown a large following and won audiences over with their productions of Oliver!, Annie and Peter Pan the Musical, which was nominated for a Noda award earlier this year.

The theatre company will be performing the original stage script of the musical Wizard of Oz, which features all the well-known songs such as Somewhere over the Rainbow, Follow the Yellow Brick Road and Munchkinland,

The Lowestoft Players theatre space at The Bethel is known as the Players Theatre and can seat 200 people.

Maurice Garrod, chairman of the Lowestoft Players, said: 'The Lowestoft Players are excited and delighted with the prospect of welcoming the B&B Theatre Company to share its facilities at the Bethel.

'We believe that this venture will benefit both companies and will permit the Lowestoft Players to continue to invest and develop The Players Theatre.'

If you are interested in auditioning for the Wizard of Oz, there will be an information evening held at The Players Theatre on Friday at 5pm, which will outline details of the show.

Auditions are on Saturday and places can only be booked by attending the information event the day before.

Auditions are for young people aged six to 25, regardless of ability or experience.

For further information about auditioning, contact Ryan Holt on 01502 217531 or 07766 910 373. Alternatively visit www.thebandbtheatrecompany.co.uk or e-mail r.holt@thebandbtheatrecompany.co.uk