THERE'S an abundance of yellow brick roads out there at the moment.

Over in St Helens Theatre Royal, Linda Lusardi is magical in their vibrant version.

There's a current building society advert featuring the central characters from the film.

And Elton John is saying farewell to his own long and winding Yellow Brick Road tour across the globe.

But there's no place like home ... and for executive producer Lee Kelly of LHK productions this run is his last at the venue where he has made his mark over the past 14 years.

In this latest take on Frank L Baum's timeless tale The Wizard of Oz - described as America's greatest fairytale - Mr K has assembled a fine cast of local talent and dance companies.

Michael Chapman is again at the helm as director and writer.

He also stamps his considerable panto skills on the role of the Wicked Witch of the West.

His material always working on two levels.

Joining him for the Easter shows are some familiar faces.

Lewis Pryor is a likeable scarecrow who always connects well with the kids.

He has certainly grown in confidence over the years with a wide range of roles

Radio favourite Claire Simmo is a glittery Glynda and a very good fairy she is.

Versatile Linzdi Germain, a Royal Court stalwart, is a cracking cowardly lion - a larger than life character who has a fair share of lavatorial humour which pleased the junior adults and the grown ups, too.

Two X-Factor stars complete the lively line-up.

Lola Saunders is a feisty, all-American Dorothy accompanied by her cute canine pal, Toto.

When Toto wasn't on stage children behind me were asking 'where's the dog?'

Maybe a few references to his whereabouts would not go amiss.

Sean Smith - an accomplished solo performer- plays a jaunty Tin Man who belts out the raucous You've Got The Love.

While Mr Chapman's script - one of his best of late - flows along nicely, I feel the scene where the tornado approaches needs more 'oomph'.

The magical transportation to Oz has to be visually stronger.

More dry ice and special lighting effects would help.

It may not be big budget, but this is a crucial contrasting scene which moves the story along.

It needs to have more visual impact.

That said, other ideas work very well notably the scene in The Haunted Woods of Horrific Horror where the ghost is replaced by a gyrating monkey.

And the demise of the Wicked Witch is simple but striking and funny.

Full marks to the always enjoyable choreography, led by Holli Jo Bradley.

The seven-strong senior dancers deserve praise as do the four dance teams: LHK Youth Theatre; Jelli Studios; Funky Feet School.of Dance and the Chiltern Dance Studio.

There's the obligatory water pistol shoot out and mad chase through the auditorium.

Songs under the musical direction of Alan Moore range from the Lady Ga Ga ballad Shallow to Jefferson Starship's We Built This City (not on rock and roll) but on emeralds.

It is a panto with a big heart bouncing along over two and half hours.

And it is also a fitting goodbye production to the Epstein from popular producer Lee Kelly.

For Lee its onwards and upwards over the rainbow.

Family Fun and Frippery - four stars

The show is on until April 22.

Tickets from the box office on 0844 888 4411.