PEOPLE going to see a youth company's production of Wizard of Oz will have a hard job finding the band.

The musicians providing the backing for the Durham County Youth Company show, are not in the same room as the actors. They will perform from a classroom next to the hall at Durham Johnston School.

They will follow their conductor's baton and the action on stage through a video link and their music will be miked through to the hall's public address system.

The company has resorted to the unusual arrangement because the Garland Theatre at New College Durham, its venue for the past 12 years, is no longer available.

The school's smaller hall, combined with the size of the scenery meant that the band has had to be relocated.

"It will look a bit odd when people coming to a musical arrive and can't see the band," said company co-ordinator Ian Smith. "It will be a bit of a challenge."

More than 134 people aged from eight through to their early twenties, from all over County Durham, are taking part in the production.

Sabrina Carter, of Shincliffe, plays Dorothy, Graeme Guthrie, of Merryoaks, Durham, is Lion, James Venis, of Spennymoor, is Scarecrow, and Tim Eltringham, also of Spennymoor is the Tin Man.

The show will be staged from Thursday, August 3, to Sunday, August 6, each night at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 and are available from Durham Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, or by ringing Mr Smith on (07778) 182481.