Angus is the star of the Wizard of Oz
Angus the Cairn Terrier became the star of the show at the Theatre Royal’s production of The Wizard of Oz in Glasgow.
After weeks of searching for the perfect Cairn Terrier, Angus, who lives with Sara Hollaran and Eunice Smith of Pollock, Glasgow got stuck into life as an actor.
Open auditions were held at the aptly named Wizard of Paws on Cogan Street in Glasgow which is owned by the parents of Stage Experience company member Gabby Rose.
Sara and Eunice initially took Angus along to try outs simply for a day out.
Sara said: “We saw the post for open auditions on Facebook and so we decided to take Angus along for fun as much as anything.
“He loves being around other dogs and people.
“If he was chosen to play Toto, that was a bonus but it was just about giving him a bit of fun.”
Toto joined the 74-strong cast for all three shows taking place this weekend at Theatre Royal and it was certainly be a very different way of life for Sara, a fraud manager, and Eunice, a software analyst, as they took in the backstage magic of the prestigious venue.
Stage experience company cast members include East Kilbride’s Cara McQuiston,13, as leading lady Dorothy; Keira Bell,16, from Prestwick as the Lion; Marcus Hyka,16, from Glasgow as the Scarecrow and Alastair McLeod,16, from Cumbernauld as the Tin Woodsman.
They were joined by Anna Cowen, also from Glasgow, as the Wicked Witch of the West; Matthew Cunningham,16, from Bishopbriggs as the Wizard of Oz and Ellie MConnachie,14, from Erskine as Glinda the Good Witch of the East.
The production follows the success of Stage Experience’s performance of Bugsy Malone last year, with Director Rebecca Atack and Musical Director Ryan Moir returning to their roles alongside Choreographer Lisa Kennedy who joins the creative team for the first time.