A YOUNG Greenock actress says she was 'blown away' to be cast in the leading role of a pantomime headed for a Glasgow venue this Christmas.

Teenager Emily Barnes will star as Dorothy in the Theatre School of Scotland (TSOS) production of The Wizard of Oz.

The show will enjoy a five-day run at the SEC’s Lomond Auditorium from December 19-23, following on from the school’s successful production of Aladdin at the same venue last year.

TSOS will alternate between a ‘Yellow Brick Road’ cast and an ‘Emerald City’ cast during the 11-show run, with Emily starring as the lead in the latter.

Established in Glasgow in 2017, the school launched its Greenock branch last year and currently runs classes at Songbird Studios on Robertson Street.

Emily, who has been studying musical theatre 18 months, will be joined in this year’s pantomime by a number of young performers from Inverclyde.

Reece Donnelly and Emily BarnesReece Donnelly and Emily Barnes (Image: TSOS) TSOS principal Reece Donnelly said: “I could not be happier our Dorothy has come from Inverclyde and we have over 15 performers joining our show from the area.

“Emily was a clear Dorothy. She had a role in the show last year and I was delighted watching her through the audition rounds to be able to offer her our lead.

“This year we really have pulled out all the stops. We’ve got set, costumes and pyro coming from across Europe.

“I cannot wait to be home with the wonderful SEC team for another year, it's a delight to produce this show with them each year.”

The show will run from December 19-23The show will run from December 19-23 (Image: TSOS) Emily added: “I’m so excited to be playing Dorothy in this year’s pantomime.

“I couldn’t believe it when they told me I got the part I was completely blown away.”

Reece first heard Emily sing during a visit to a Greenock class and later offered her a place on an advanced course at TSOS’ Glasgow HQ.

She has since been developing her skills, with teachers praising her dedication to improving as a performer.

Panto co-director Charlotte Forbes said: “Emily has taken every note we’ve ever given her, making her not only an amazing performer but a delight to work with.”

Tickets for The Wizard of Oz are on sale now at www.sec.co.uk.