IT is a testament to the collective skills of Burtonwood Amateur Dramatic Society that they were able to rise above a crescendo of squawking children to turn in a first-rate performance of their latest pantomime The Wizard of Oz.

Granted, no Saturday afternoon matinee is complete without wriggling kiddies chomping on crisps.

But quite frankly, the adults who took up all the prime seats and formed a dense forest of bodies impenetrable to anyone less than five feet high ought to hang their heads in shame.

I'm delighted to hear that in future, the first five rows at matinee performances will be reserved for little ones only - which means those for whom pantomimes are actually intended will reap the benefits of the society's excellent casting, staging and choreography.

Stuart Slater proved exceptional as the Scarecrow, reeling to superb comic effect across the stage and making the most of his every line. Elizabeth Jones' Dorothy (minus red shoes and Toto), Derek Orr's Tin Man and Peter McConnell's Cowardly Lion were all wonderfully realised - each of them taking strength from the energy and vibrancy of the remaining collective cast.

Seventeen-year-old Helen Lynch, debuting as make-up artist, provided the final magical touch.

To condense the Over the Rainbow antics on to one stage so succinctly and with such aplomb is a real credit to a society that continues to impress with each passing performance.

Michelle Corbett