SHE might be gracing the stage as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, but former X Factor star Holly Tandy says there really is no place like home.
The 17-year-old from Darton has been taking on the iconic role at Blackpool Winter Gardens, complete with ruby slippers.
Holly said: “It’s going really well. It’s completely different to anything I’ve ever done before so it’s been a bit of a shock to the system with all the rehearsals and things but I’m learning so much and the audiences have been absolutely fantastic.
“The ruby slippers are great. They’re a tiny bit uncomfortable but they’ve really got me into the role and I’ve really enjoyed wearing them.
“But there really is no place like home and that’s Barnsley.”
The show tells the classic tale of how Dorothy and her dog Toto are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz following a tornado in Kansas.
It includes famous songs such as Over The Rainbow and will run until December 30.
Holly added: “It’s gone so quickly, it feels like only two minutes. The audiences have been packed and I’m absolutely loving it.
“It’s been such a great experience. I never thought I would get such a good role on my first attempt in musical theatre. I really enjoyed my audition and felt it was the right thing and I had a good feeling about it. I’ve met some fantastic people who I hope to work with in the future. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and to get into, I’m just living the dream.”
Holly said she was nervous on the opening night, but the adrenaline kicked in and she just went for it.
“I was so nervous on the first night, all my family were there. But the adrenaline pushed my performance and I was excited to start a new chapter in my career. I love singing Over The Rainbow.”
Holly has received rave reviews, with her performance being called ‘sterling’ and ‘flawless’.
She added: “The reviews have been great, and a lot of the ones I’ve seen I thought ‘wow, I can’t believe they have said that.’ It’s been a really proud moment for me.”
She also promises this won’t be the last we see of her.
“There are lots of exciting things coming up which I can’t speak about, but to anyone who has been interested, who has followed my journey then watch this space.
“There’s some really exciting things coming up.
“I’m looking forward to releasing new music and getting in the studio and doing some writing, and a bit of travel as well.”
