AN amateur dramatic group will return to the stage next week with a new production of the musical Oliver!

CBS Musical and Stage Society promises to transport the audience at the Consett Empire into the underbelly of Victorian society where child pick-pockets run wild on the cobbled streets of London.

An eight piece orchestra will play Lionel Bart’s score in the musical adaption of Charles Dicken’s novel, which tells how Oliver falls in with a gang of thieves, led by the scheming Fagin.

The theatre group’s cast includes over 30 children made up of a mix of ages from north Durham and the surrounding area.

Andy Whitehead, CBS spokesman, said: “It will give those from all walks of life the chance to get into costume and let their talents shine.

“It will be a really good night of live music.”

Ten-year-old James MacLaurin will be playing Oliver, and Mackenzie Sol-Williams, 11, will be acting the role of the Artful Dodger.

Both youngsters have acted in Cameron Mackintosh’s National Touring Productions of The Sound of Music and Les Miserables.

Andy Whitehead will step into the shoes of Bill Sikes, Nancy, will be played by Amy Hopper and Fagin is brought to life by Paul Strafford.

It runs at the Consett Empire Theatre every evening from Monday June 10 to Friday June 15 at 7.15 pm Tickets cost £10 and are available by calling the box office on 01207- 218171.