THE cast of Oliver has been putting the finishing touches to their forthcoming show which opens next week.

THE cast of Oliver has been putting the finishing touches to their forthcoming show which opens next week.

The New Ottregians' Summer Show will take place at King's School, Ottery St Mary, for five evenings from Tuesday, July 29, to Saturday, August 2.

The cast includes 20 enthusiastic youngsters between the ages of seven and 14, and 20 equally enthusiastic adults.

Tony and Helena Williams-Pugh formed the New Ottregians some years ago with the intention of giving young people a chance to be on the stage.

They have been successful, with several of the children in Oliver having already been in three or more shows.

Two seasoned 'professionals' are Alex, a student at King's School, who is one of the Olivers, and Elliot, one of the Artful Dodgers.

Other performers include Jack, who is playing the second Oliver and goes to Ottery Primary School, and Dan, the second Dodger, who is currently on a rugby tour in South Africa with the King's School.

Dan's parents, Rick and Karen, play Nancy and Bill Sykes and hope their son will return after a winning tour with all limbs intact so he can join them in the production.

The show is proving to be quite a family affair with Peter and Sylvia, Helen and both her daughters, and Coral and Dave all getting in on the action.

There is ample free parking, coffee, and a bar available each evening with all proceeds in aid of Hospiscare, which provides invaluable, front-of-house support.

All are welcome to come along and enjoy what is set to be a thoroughly entertaining performance.