RECENT years have seen the relatively new Malvern Theatres Young Company steadily add to their burgeoning reputation.

Their presentation of Les Miserables received loud acclaim and then last year’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar played to standing ovations at the end of every performance.

All of which means there is great anticipation for its 2015 production of Oliver!

This is Lionel Bart’s musical based on Dickens’ well known novel and when it opens on Tuesday, August 18, it will be directed by Andy Reiss, who returns to direct the company for the fourth consecutive year.

This year’s show promises just as many thrills and outstanding musical performances and the company is once again hoping for Midlands theatregoers to come along and support their talented young performers and also to enjoy this musical classic, famous for its spirited and timeless songs such as ‘As Long As He Needs Me’, ‘Food, Glorious Food’ and ‘Where is Love’.

Young and orphaned, Oliver Twist navigates London’s underworld of theft and violence, searching for a home, a family, and – most importantly – for love.

When he is picked up on the street by a boy nick-named the Artful Dodger, he is welcomed into a gang of child pickpockets led by the conniving but charismatic Fagin. Falsely accused of a theft he didn’t commit, Oliver is rescued by a kind and wealthy gentleman, to the dismay of Fagin’s violent sidekick, Bill Sykes.

Caught in the middle is the warm-hearted Nancy, who is trapped under Bill’s thumb, but desperate to help Oliver, with tragic results.

Oliver! concludes on Saturday, August 22 at Malvern’s Forum Theatre and tickets are now on sale.