IN the midst of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s televised endeavour to find the perfect Dorothy for his upcoming West End production, York Musical Theatre Company graces the Theatre Royal’s main house with its own energetic and family-friendly adaptation of the timeless tale.

The show instantly introduces the audience to an array of sumptuous theatrical delights, including an exquisite take on Harold Arlen’s original musical score from the 1939 movie, and an ambitious change of sets throughout each of the two acts.

The distinction between the modest opening set, representing Kansas, and the vibrant, quasi-kitsch depiction of lands over the rainbow, suggests a recognisable allusion to the classic movie, where sepia tones and Technicolor were used to mount tension and create contrast.

The sustained comedic overtone of the production, however, weakens some of the more menacing scenes, as the mood remains mostly light-hearted and cheery throughout, probably to accommodate the largely younger audience.

The overall effect ultimately undermines the melancholic flavour of Dorothy’s home life – for example, Over The Rainbow is rather saccharine – although a fast-paced and spirited script is still maintained by director Paul Laidlaw.

Modern tweaks certainly enliven the original text and make the adult audience members feel more included in the sprightly shenanigans of Dorothy (Eleanor Leaper) and co. Flippant gags, such as when Scarecrow (Tim Creasy) is dismembered by the evil Witch’s monkeys, and Tin-Man (Gareth Smith) exclaims, “Oh Scarecrow, that’s you all over!”, are well received by the audience, but the starring performer of the night is undoubtedly little Toto, played by a real, sometimes not-so-obedient, stage dog, Benji.

The male foursome who invade the stage as fearless crows picking incessantly at Scarecrow in Act One are an early delight, their prancing and preening making you wonder whether their source of inspiration was Jonathan Ross’s house band Four Poofs And A Piano. Act Two explores further ambitious devices, such as the set piece used to represent the supposedly omnificent Wizard (Mick Liversidge), and the dissolving of the Wicked Witch (Moira Murphy) into the set design. Things become a tad unintentionally topsy-turvy during the closing scenes, as the musical score fails to keep up with an over-zealous execution of lines by some of the actors, and background noise and stage workers making unsolicited entrances create a less than wholly professional atmosphere.

Despite some technical hitches – undoubtedly inevitable with a production of manifold components – this delightful musical succeeds in sweeping the appreciate audience off their feet and depicting the mystical and magical world of Oz and its inhabitants, with a few added touches.

The Wizard Of Oz, York Musical Theatre Company, York Theatre Royal, until Saturday. Box office: 01904 623568.