Malton & Norton Musical Theatre are putting newcomers to the fore in Oliver!, in keeping with the society’s history of launching talented youngsters on the path to a professional stage career.

Many of the young performers in this month’s show will be on stage for the first time, most notably Christopher Bean, 12, as Oliver and Dominic Weatherill, 13, as the Artful Dodger.

Other new faces in Sue Hawes and Gemma Williams’ production will play Fagin’s gang, workhouse children and chorus roles.

When Oliver! was last staged in Malton in 2000, the cast numbered 50. This time, the company on stage and off will be 100-strong, 70 of them involved as performers.

“It’s a huge cast and that has meant a few logistical headaches,” says Gemma. “But the hard work is now starting to pay off; we’re pulling together and we’re looking forward to a really good show.”

A solid principal line-up and a strong adult dancing and singing chorus have been instrumental in the rehearsals progressing well, according to society spokesman Tom Todd.

“There are plenty of regular strong performers backing the newcomers, so it’s not really much of a gamble,” he says. “What’s more, the children and a few adult newcomers too have been rehearsing hard since February.”

Among the principals are co-director Gemma Williams; Ian Goring; Christine Frost; Terry Ford; David Blaker; Matthew Eldridge-Smith; Diana Morgan; Roger Kay; Martha Gosnold; Christian Cass; Rosie Weatherill; Neil Paylor and Pauline Calvert.

Mike Thompson, from York, and Gill Boler, from Malton, are in charge of the music, while rising young choreographers Jolley Gosnold and Chloe Shipley are handling the show’s movement.

Oliver! will run from June 15 to 19 at the Milton Rooms, Malton, at 7.30pm nightly, plus a 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Tickets are on sale at Malton Tourist Information Office.