SALOS, founded in 1952, continues its stunning success story this week with Oliver! Lionel Bart's musical version of Dickens' famous novel Oliver Twist.

The rapturous response of audiences at the Wyvern is well deserved by the large cast, orchestra and stage crew, all deftly directed by Russell Langdown.

The show has excellent choreography, fine dancers and a strong, well-co-ordinated chorus. Groups of characters create swirling patterns on stage, as the action glides from scene to scene.

The two tier set, with ingenious effects and lighting, gives authenticity to the various locations, with thunder setting the initial tone. Good costume, and columns of orphans trooping through the auditorium, add immediacy .

There are brilliant individual performances. The title role is shared by Ben Canning and Kyle Iles, who play three performances each.

Another young actor, Charlie Lock, has a key role as the Artful Dodger. James Canning is superb as Fagin, whose soliloquy, Reviewing the Situation, is especially impressive.

Ray Dance is delightful as Mr Sowerberry the undertaker, and Amy Grimshaw (Mrs Sowerberry) has a wonderful comic sequence with a coffin.

Alison Canning as Widow Corney proves more than a match for Mr Bumble, played with panache by Stuart Dark. Jill Carter McCrae is fantastic as Nancy, the loving woman who seals her own doom at the hand of the evil-tempered Bill Sykes.

Lizzy Webb is the sympathetic Bet, and veteran performer Mike Chivers plays the genial Mr Brownlow, who offers unexpected hospitality to Oliver - and ultimately discovers a secret.

The show has masterly moments. The shout ,"My pocket's been picked!" crystallises the action of the entire crowd, who turn almost mechanically, in unison.

Another highlight is the brutal murder of Nancy, on London Bridge - and Bet's subsequent recognition of the victim.

This fantastic show runs until Saturday.