NEMusicals York have picked the much-loved Oliver! for their first production of 2018.

Lionel Bart's musical twist on Charles Dickens's novel Oliver Twist will run at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, from April 25 to 28 under the direction of Steve Tearle with musical direction by Jess Douglas and choreography by Elle Roberts and Tearle.

"With an amazing set by Robert Readman and some amazing projections by Adam Moore, we really want to capture the feel of London and how Charles Dickens saw it in his novel," says Steve. "We're using amazing footage that will convey the true feeling of the musical, with some incredible characters to ensure that this story will grab your imagination."

Oliver! opens on a bleak, dark and piercingly cold rainy night when a young girl delivers a baby to the orphanage: Oliver. "We jump forward nine years and it's time for the orphans to be fed but Oliver wants more, though Mr Bumble disagrees," says Steve. "Widow Corney, the housekeeper for the orphanage, insists that he is sold, so off Mr Beagle goes with Oliver, one boy for sale.

"What lies in store for Oliver? Who will he meet on his fantastic journey in a musical full of love, humour and tragedy, and such songs as Food, Glorious Food; Boy For Sale; Where Is Love?; Consider Yourself; You've Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two; I'd Do Anything; Be Back Soon; Oom-Pah-Pah; As Long As He Needs Me and Reviewing The Situation? At the end, you will consider yourself one of the family in Britain’s greatest musical."

Oliver! follows a vibrant 2017 for NEMusicals York, when the company's Doctor Dolittle show was a finalist in the Best Production category of the York Culture Awards and enjoyed record sales for The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe.

"We grow from strength to strength and with great conversations around York about our last two productions, with our largest growth on sales, we have more people wanting to be a part of us," says Steve. "We've discovered our niche in the York theatre world at last, and with a much more friendly and relaxed shorter rehearsal period, families really appreciate it and are drawn to us for that."

The Oliver! cast will be led by Will Roberts as Oliver; Jack Hambleton will play the Artful Dodger; Steve Tearle, Fagin; Emma Louise Dickinson, Nancy; James O'Neill, Bill Sikes; Richard Rogers, Mr Bumble; Kevin Bowes, Mr Sowerberry; Perri Barley, Mrs Sowerberry; Kelvin Grant, Mr Brownlow, and Paul Jefferson, Dr Grimwig.

Tickets for the 7.30pm evening shows and 2.30pm Saturday matinee are on sale at £13 to £18 on 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk