FINAL rehearsals are underway for Mary Steven's Hospice's first-ever pantomime.

The charity production of The Wizard of Oz will run at Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Bank Street, Brierley Hill, on Tuesday January 23 at 7.30pm and on Wednesday January 24 at 2.40pm and 7.30pm.

Rehearsals have been underway for the last few weeks ahead of the show which will star former X Factor contestant Wagner as the Wizard, the Black Country Wench (comedian Marlene Watson) as the Wicked Witch - and even a Simon Cowell look-a-like.

While Jess Brooks will play Kansas farm girl Dorothy who is transported during a cyclone to the weird and wonderful world of Oz where she embarks on a fantastical journey along the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City with companions - the Scarecrow (played by Will Phipps), the Tin Man (James Totney) and the Cowardly Lion (Alf Rai).

All the profits raised from the production will go to Mary Stevens Hospice in Oldswinford to help patients and their families.

Tickets cost £15 for over-16s, £12.50 for those16 and under - and a family ticket (two adults, two children) is £50.

They are available from Brierley Hill Civic Hall box office on 01384 573381.

For further enquiries call the hospice fundraising team on 01384 377778.