Charles Dickens’ answer to The Beggar’s Opera comes up sparkling in Lionel Bart’s Oliver! and Martyn Knight’s new production for York Light Opera Company follows suit immaculately.

The secret lies in atmosphere. Recreating London’s East End is no picnic, but Food, Glorious Food gets the show off to a scrumptious start, with Oliver and the workhouse boys as hungry as hunters.

The two-tiered permanent set, bought in from Suffolk, with flights of steps on either side of a long balcony, offers plenty of exits and a variety of nooks and crannies. So the workhouse, the undertaker’s, the thieves’ kitchen and the pub are all easily accommodated.

More important, there is plenty of space for Knight’s first-class choreography, which is one of the evening’s assets. Everyone dances with relish, and gestures, sensibly straightforward, are tidy and natural.

On Tuesday’s opening night, Reuben Lally made an engaging Oliver (he alternates with Nathan Christy through the run).

It is hard to believe that this is his stage debut. At 8-years-old he moves with the ease of someone twice his age, while preserving a childish innocence. He was excellently partnered by the Red gang, who also caught the dramatic spirit straight away.

There are two other pivots in this hearty show. The ever-reliable Rory Mulvihill is a terrific Fagin, sprightly, vigorous and making a showstopper out of Reviewing the Situation (which is lithely accompanied by Marcus Bousfield’s violin).

You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket is also catchy. Now he is in Yiddish mode, he must soon surely take the title role in Fiddler On The Roof.

The second one is Alexa Chaplin who, as so often before, has charm to burn and is a radiant Nancy, with quick reactions and a winning way with As Long As He Needs Me.

Josh Benson’s Artful Dodger (alternating with Jack Armstrong) keeps popping up all over and making his presence felt amusingly. He captures the Cockney essence.

There are other valuable contributions. John Hall’s pompous Mr Bumble, Rosy Rowley’s rambunctious Widow Corney, Rachael Wilkinson’s effervescent Bet and Geoffrey Turner’s avuncular Mr Brownlow typify a cast with strength in depth.

In the impossible role of Bill Sikes, Gavin Shaw is frighteningly forceful (complete with bull terrier Nelson).

Phil Redding’s 14-piece band, mainly wind and brass, is sporadically bumpy, tending to obscure melody lines. But his pacing is good and he earns his corn as chorus master. The chorus and solo quartet in Who Will Buy? deliver the musical highlight, real singing compared to the shout-song prevalent elsewhere.

With all-of-a-piece period costumes and an ever-present joie de vivre, this is a show that would have made Dickens – and Bart – proud.

York Light Opera Company in Oliver!, Theatre Royal, York Until March 16, 7.30pm with Sat mats 2.30pm. Box office: (01904) 623568. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk