Storm on the Lawn, the annual open-air summer school production of the Theatre Royal Bath, lived up to its name with a torrential downpour over its Prior Park College venue less than an hour before curtain up.

But the skies miraculously cleared and the stage crew did a fantastic job of mopping up the standing water in the Ball Court ‘auditorium’ (including towelling dry all the seats, thank you) and the play, Oliver Twist, went ahead without further mishap.

Once again one can only marvel at what is achieved in three weeks by a small team of theatrical professionals, led by director Amy Leach and a cast of 60 young people aged between 12 and 21, some complete novices and others experienced youth theatre players.

Neil Bartlett’s adaptation is very true to Charles Dickens’ original tale.

There were stand-out performances from Grace Humphries as Nancy, Tristan Head, as her partner, the evil Bill Sykes and Josiah East in the pivotal roel of Fagin. In the title role 13-year-old Harry Miller, made an excellent Storm debut. Ludo Jean Francis had a pleasing swagger as the Artful Dodger.