Swindon Amateur Light Opera Society, one of the region’s foremost amateur companies, noted for its high quality musical productions in professional theatres at Swindon since 1952, will present Oliver! at the Wyvern this autumn, with six performances including a Saturday matinee.

A favourite with theatregoers of all ages, the show is one of the biggest productions staged by SALOS, with a cast of over 90 that includes 60 local children, who auditioned successfully this summer.

Oliver! a well crafted show based of course on Charles Dickens’ novel and famously filmed, offers pathos, drama and wonderful musical numbers that include Food, Glorious Food, I’d Do Anything, Where is Love?, Consider Yourself, As Long As He Needs Me, Who Will Buy? and Reviewing The Situation.

In principal roles, well-known SALOS members are joined by some newcomers. Two young actors, Ben Canning and Kyle Iles, will share the title role. James Canning is Fagin; Charlie Lock, the Artful Dodger; Jill Carter-McCrae, Nancy; Martin Whiteley, Bill Sykes; Lizzie Webb, Bet; Stuart Dark, Mr Bumble; Alison Canning, Widow Corney; Ray Dance and Amy Grimshaw, Mr and Mrs Sowerberry; and Mike Chivers, Mr Brownlow.

The show is directed by Russell Langdown and his associate Sandra Gilbert; musical director is Malcolm Webb and choreographer Gemma Short.