LAST week saw the curtain rise on the B&B Theatre Company’s debut production of Oliver!

The production, which features a cast of between 30 and 40 young people, has taken audiences by storm, with its quality.

The show, featuring all the musical classics such as Food Glorious Food, I’d Do Anything, Pick a Pocket or Two and Consider Yourself, have seen audiences turn out for more.

Oliver! is based on Charles Dickens’ moving tale of Oliver Twist, an orphan boy who escapes from the orphanage only to end up in the company of pickpockets.

When Oliver has a chance to live a good life, love and hate battle as Sykes and his girlfriend Nancy have different ideas for the young boy.

Dickens’ characters are always larger-than-life, and the musical captures this.

Last Friday, the theatre company held their “VIP Evening” with guests such as local MP Peter Aldous attending and representatives from Lowestoft Players, the Suffolk Foundation and other organisations.

The lead role of Oliver, is being played by 12-year old Sam Carver, of Carlton Colville.

He said: “It’s very exciting playing the part and being able to understand and feel emotion that Oliver faces.”

The set design has been built by Scenic Projects of Brampton, who provide stage sets and scenery to theatres across the country.

“It feels really emotional when you see the production and to think that we have done all this within seven months – incredible,” said 16-year-old Ryan Holt, who plays Fagin and produces the show.

He added “It’s been a challenge, but we have got there and now we are presenting our first show.”

The production has three performances left. Saturday 2nd April at 2pm and 7pm, with the final performance on Sunday 3rd April at 5.30pm at Beccles Public Hall. Adults �7, children/senior citizens �3.50 and family ticket �18. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office on 01502 446161.