Many of the boys and girls in the children's chorus for the New Earswick Musical Society production of Oliver! are related to members of the adult cast, committee and stage crew.

"It's also very heartening to see that plenty of the children who have performed in previous shows have now become part of our expanding junior chorus, " says publicist Alex Schofield. "This can only bode well for the future of both the society and musical theatre in general."

Oliver! runs at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, from Tuesday to Saturday when the New Earswick company performs the Dickens tale for the first time since 2000.

Oliver is played by 11-year-old Charlie Joy, a pupil at Millthorpe School, who began his acting career with the lead role of Aladdin while at primary school. "What I like about being in this show is meeting all the new people.

I've really appreciated being treated as an adult by other cast members, which has made me feel part of the society, " says Charlie, who appeared in New Earswick productions of The King And I and A Christmas Carol.

Stephen Kenwright, who plays Fagin, has many years' experience in musical theatre and has taken lead roles for New Earswick in The King and I, Gigi, Annie and Oklahoma.

"Like a chameleon, Stephen seems able to adapt his character to suit whatever part he portrays; he always brings his own style to the part, " says Alex. "This is evident as he brings to life the role of Fagin, who mentors children in the art pick-pocketing. A bit ironic really, as in reality Stephen spends most of his time teaching youngsters how to avoid a life of crime."

Society newcomer Alex Phillips, from Manor School, is the Artful Dodger. He has performed in school shows and took part in a drama production of The Constantine Project, where he played the Emperor Constantine, and now he is enjoying rehearsals for his first major role in musical theatre.

This production is a family affair for the Richardsons.

Carol Richardson, who has taken many lead roles with the society, will be playing Nancy. "I think it's one of the best female lead parts there is, and I'm particularly happy to be portraying such a colourful Cockney character, " she says.

Carol's husband, Tim, is the society's stage manager and daughter, Gabby, will be part of the children's chorus.

After appearing for New Earswick in A Christmas Carol and The King And I, Martin Rowley switches to the dark side as the violent thug Bill Sikes. "Martin has never played a baddie before and for a former vicar this could be quite a challenge for him, " says Alex Schofield.

"He's extremely proud that all three of his sons, Tom, Elliott and Jordan, are in the show alongside him."

Chris Hagyard, who joined the society for A Christmas Carol, will be Mr Bumble.

"Oliver has always been one of my favourite shows. In fact it was the first show I ever did, when I played Oliver in 1990 at the York Theatre Royal, " he says. "I've seen many Bumbles but I hope to bring my own style to the part."

Latterly, Chris has ventured into the realms of television, where he was short-listed for the last 48 for the part of Joseph in the BBC1 production of Any Dream Will Do.

Vic Heard follows up his portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol last November by performing the more relaxed role of Mr Brownlow.

Humour is provided by of Johanna Hartley's larger-than-life Widow Corney, Allan Rome's Mr Sowerberry and Andrea Goodall's Mrs Sowerberry. This will be Allan's 20th year performing in musical theatre, many of them for New Earswick.

The show is produced by Ann McCreadie and designed by Robert Readman, with musical direction by Don Pears. For tickets for the 7.30pm shows, phone 01904 623568.