An Upper Norwood drama group is putting together a pantomime to honour an "icon" of the industry.

For man in the The Downsview Players, Judy Garland was one to be admired, so to mark what would have been the actresses 95th birthday, the group is putting on a special performance of The Wizard of Oz.

Primary school head teacher Michelle Spencer-Child has stepped into Judy Garland’s ruby slippers to take on the part of Dorothy in her first pantomime role.

“I absolutely love playing Dorothy and although the role has been challenging, with lots of lines and stage directions to learn, it’s a welcome break from my busy day job," the Thornton Heath woman said.

“This is my first time playing a lead role and my first pantomime so I’m giving it my all.”

The pantomime sees Dorothy and her companions – her pet dog Toto (Simon Charles), Scarecrow (Michele Charles), Tin Man (Simon Peyton), Lion (Sharon Lakin) and Good Witch Betty (Terry Fuller) – take on the Wicked Witch (Steve Canning) so that she can leave Oz and return home to Thornton Heath.

Written by Andrew Winfield, The Downsview Players have joined forces with the 2nd Thornton Heath Girls’ Brigade and 5th Croydon Boys’ Brigade to put on the pantomime.

Director Anne Bassi from Upper Norwood said: “Judy Garland was so iconic that we wanted to put on this pantomime as a tribute to her during what would have been her 95th birthday year.

“Everyone has worked so hard during rehearsals and the set and costumes look fantastic. I hope Judy and the rest of the original cast would be proud of our tribute to them.”

The shows will take place on Thursday, November 23, 24 and 25

To get tickets visit www.downsviewplayers.co.uk