NEW Earswick Musical Society's rehearsals are progressing well for next month's production of Lionel Bart's musical Oliver! at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.

After auditions in January, director Ann McCreadie and musical director Tom Marlow are at the helm of a spring show that will run from April 22 to 25 with Sam Roberts in the role of Oliver, having played the lead in We Are Theatre's Pinocchio at the JoRo last year.

Nancy will be performed by Catherine Bonello, after taking many principal roles on the Harrogate and Leeds theatre scene, while the Artful Dodger is Sam Lightwing, who was the Prince in New Earswick's The King And I last year, when he appeared alongside Steve Tearle's King. This time Steve plays Fagin.

Other parts go to Chris Hagyard as Mr Bumble; Julie Hannah, Mrs Sowerberry; Richard Rodgers, Mr Sowerberry; Lorraine Hodgson, Mrs Corney; Gary Riley, Mr Brownlow; Gary Bateson, Dr Grimwig; and Jane Holiday, Mrs Bedwin. Bill Sikes will be played by company newcomer James O’Neil, who was last seen in the York Mystery Plays.

Earlier this year, the two Sams, Roberts and Lightwing, were lucky enough to meet Jodie Prenger, who starred as Nancy in the West End production of Oliver! after winning the BBCI talent show I’d Do Anything to land the role.

Jodie was in York in February on tour at the Grand Opera House in Calamity Jane and spent time with the boys, telling them all about her role in Oliver!, playing alongside Rowan Atkinson's Fagin.

"Oliver! is one of the most beloved British musicals, vividly bringing to life Charles Dickens's timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more," says publicity officer and actress Jane Holiday.

"This fantastic musical has a sensational score full of Lionel Bart's irresistible songs, such as Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You've Got To Pick APocket Or Two, I'd Do Anything, Oom-Pah-Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more."

In the lead-up to next month's production, one role is still to be cast: Bill Sikes's bull terrier, Bull's Eye.

"We're looking for a bull terrier, or similar-looking dogs to play Bill Sikes’s infamous dog," says Jane. "Dogs can be male or spayed females, ideally with a visible patch over one eye, and need to be well-trained and good around children and in busy environments."

If you can help the society land a bull's eye, please phone Gary on 07791 023198 for further information.

Tickets for the 7.30pm evening shows and 2.30pm Saturday matinee are selling fast at £15, concessions £14, children £10, on 07759 260852 or at newearswickmusicalsociety.co.uk