CONSIDER yourself ... acting in Lionel Bart’s classic family musical Oliver! at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre this month.

That was the message to 21 delighted youngsters who received bursaries from Mayflower Theatre to take part in the Summer Youth Project thanks to a £3000 donation from Wave 105’s Cash for Kids.

Cameron Mackintosh granted special permission for Mayflower Theatre’s Summer Youth Project which is for youngsters aged between eight and 18 to produce this spectacular musical, which will be performed on Mayflower’s stage next Friday, August 28, and on August 29 and 30.

Dickens’ characters will be brought to life with the sensational score featuring classic numbers like Consider Yourself, Oom Pah Pah, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, Food Glorious Food and I’d Do Anything.

Mayflower Theatre Chief Executive Michael Ockwell said: “We are very grateful to Wave 105 Cash for Kids for enabling us to award bursaries to these young people to allow them to develop their creative talents and skills. Now in its third year, the SYP can have a huge effect on youngsters who love to join in as a hobby as well as those wanting to pursue a professional career.”

Speaking of her 14-year-old daughter Elizabeth, Krista Dadford from Ringwood said: “We are so grateful to Wave 105 Cash for Kids providing a bursary. Elizabeth is a keen and talented dancer but as a single parent I simply would not be able to afford to let her take up her role in the show. A big thank you for making a real difference.”

Nicky Bates, from Andover, was delighted for her daughter Alize, who’s 12: “We are very fortunate to receive funding to let Alize to take part in this year’s production. This is a fantastic opportunity to make the theatre arts accessible to all children.”

“Lee is really excited about taking part in Oliver,” said his mum Sandra Backhouse speaking about her 17-year-old son from their home in Portsmouth. “Lee’s dad passed away last November and he was so proud of his boy and knew he would do well in his career. This has made Lee determined to do well for his dad and his family.”

Gloria Hill, Charity Manager, Wave 105 Cash for Kids: “We’re very proud to support the Mayflower Theatre Arts Programme. It is an amazing opportunity for children who would not ordinarily be able to participate and makes a huge difference to their lives.”

Book online at mayflower.org.uk or call the box office: 02380 711811