A WINCHESTER school is gearing up for a four-day run of its annual production that kicks off today.

Kings’ School will perform Lionel Bart’s stage adaptation of Oliver Twist with a cast of over 100 students.

In the last 20 weeks, the actors, singers, dancers and musicians have been rehearsing the show that will run on four different occasions from today until Saturday.

Carrie Lee, head of drama at Kings’, said: “The drama and music departments are delighted to have had the opportunity to host such a fantastic production.

“Our pupils have applied themselves with maturity having risen to every challenge they have been set.

“It has been a wonderful experience, working alongside a huge number of incredibly supportive pupils, staff and parents to host this spectacle.

“Our pupils are a real credit to themselves and Kings’ School.”

Alfie Stokes will take the lead role of Oliver and is set to act alongside schoolmates Zeth Franco and Jacob Love, who will appear as the Artful Dodger and Fagin.

Abbey Warren will recreate Nancy, and her brutish boyfriend Bill Sykes is to be portrayed by Freddie Scott.

Mr Bumble is to be played by Vincent Brown.

The audience will witness over 200 outfit changes throughout the performance, each tailored by costume designer Jenni Sundheim.

Backgrounds and the set for the theatre piece have been crafted by M3 Productions.

Music will be provided by a live student band who have worked on learning the famous numbers, including Oom Pah Pah and Food Glorious Food.

From today until Saturday, the show will be performed at 7pm in the sports hall at Kings’ School.

On Saturday a matinee performance will take place at 2pm.

Tickets will be available to buy on the door and are priced at £10 each.