A capacity audience of all ages enjoyed this classic Dickens tale of poverty and greed.

As Oliver, young Joseph Clark grew in confidence as the show progressed after Dean Attard (Bumble) and Jan French (Widow Corney) had treated us to a humorous opening, then taken up several notches by Christopher Wortley as Mr Sowerberry.

Steve Moulster was a suitably shady Fagin but Wayne Reddin shared top honours, totally believable as nasty Bill Sykes, with leading light Viki Sarker (Nancy).

Sarker apart, the quartet of Lois Dyer, Claire Crayton, Hannah Worlock and Julie Gower impressed vocally as the street criers.

Chris Talbot’s impressive trio never missed a beat, the colourful set served as various locations with minor prop adjustments, but failed to convey time lapses between scenes.

Director David Putley employed Mo Wills’ talents as wardrobe mistress, although the ensemble appeared to wear the same costumes, whether as poorhouse, bar or street characters.