Am dram star is Lydia Tidmarsh starring in The Wizard of Oz at Dormston Centre

It will be staged at the Mill Theatre, Dormston Centre from November 20-24.

Lydia Tidmarsh is a primary school teacher who loves to play the piano and write her own novels.

She says: “I first performed onstage when I was eight and I played the euphonium in various brass bands in my local area. I became involved in am dram at 15 when I was introduced to Bilston Operatic Company by a family friend.”

I wondered what attracted her to the role? “I was about four or five when I first saw the film of The Wizard of Oz and I wanted to take on the role because the film means so much to me and because she’s such a fun character,” says Lydia.

“I love playing characters who go on an emotional journey and Dorothy does just that. She starts out as young and naive, but she becomes strong and brave.”

Singing such a beloved song as Over The Rainbow is a huge responsibility and I ask Lydia if she felt under pressure to do it justice?

“Definitely!” she says. “It’s such an iconic song and I’ve tried to listen to lots of different versions so that I can get an idea as to how it should be sung, while creating my own version of it.”

Vocally Dorothy is not an easy role to play but Lydia is always up for a challenge!

“The hardest part is that you have to keep moving while singing. There is big dance number where I have to sing quite a lot and it can be hard,” she says.

The legendary Judy Garland was the ultimate Dorothy, but has Lydia studied her performance in the movie.

“I have watched the film version many, many times. Judy Garland gave such a wonderful performance and my only hope is that I can create my own character, using her as a fine example. But, I have also been studying modern West End performances too such as Danielle Hope.”

I also ask Lydia if she had learned anything from working with more experienced actors?

“One of the greatest things about am dram is the people you meet. I have met some wonderful people with amazing talents who have inspired me to continue performing. That’s the great thing about am dram, there is always someone in each show who will support you.”

• For tickets for The Wizard of Oz, visit www.trinity-mtc.co.uk or www.seaty.co.uk/wizardofoz