RESIDENTS in Paisley are being encouraged to follow the yellow brick road when an interactive promenade performance of the Wizard of Oz arrives in town.

The National Theatre of Scotland, with partners OneRen and supported by Future Paisley, is taking up a year-long artistic residency in Paisley from June 2022 in collaboration with leading Scottish artists Cora Bissett and Bex Anson.

Oz! A Yellow Brick Road Adventure in Paisley, which is to be inspired and created by talent from the town, will culminate in a high octane, visually arresting carnivalesque performance weaving through indoor spaces and streets in June 2023.

Over 200 local participants, alongside professional actors and artists, will be involved in the co-creation of this unique event.

Set in a parallel Paisley, sometime in the near future, the wonderful world of Oz and the Emerald City will be transported to Paisley Town Centre.

Familiar locations will all play leading roles in the final event, along with the town's dance, theatre, music, puppetry and circus talent.

Over the next twelve months, Cora and Bex will lead a team of artists to deliver a significant community engagement programme working alongside local community groups in Paisley including Kibble, The STAR Project – Paisley Men’s Shed, PACE Theatre Company and Art Boss - YOProducers.

From August, there will be opportunities for the public and community groups to get involved, including an exciting public programme of Oz! themed workshops and creative sessions which will animate the town over the year.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of OneRen and the Future Paisley partnership board, said: "This is a fantastic addition to Paisley’s annual events programme – and one that helps strengthen the area's growing reputation as one of Scotland's must-visit destinations for top-class cultural events. 

"What excites me most is that community engagement and participation is at the very heart of it. 

"Oz! will provide opportunities for local freelance artists and organisations but also employment for local people, as well as the chance to learn from and be inspired the team of nationally-recognised artists and performers which National Theatre of Scotland have pulled together."

People can get involved by signing up online at nationaltheatrescotland.com/oz or sending an email to oz@nationaltheatrescotland.com.

Oz! A Yellow Brick Adventure in Paisley will also have a stall at Sma’ Shot Day on Saturday, July 2, with information about the project and offering sign up opportunities for creative sessions.