AS he prepared for the West End revival of Oliver! in 1994, impresario Cameron Mackintosh commented that "half the people in Britain have either seen it or been in it".

The reason? The songs are so evocative - how hard it is to think of another British musical with so many well-known numbers - that we are happy to keep on seeing Oliver! over and over again. Last night, for example, the audience spanned all ages, and all were familiar with the ballads, torch songs and comic ensemble pieces.

Undoubtedly, the songs overshadow the lightweight account of Dickens' novel, but you will hear no complaints from the contented stalls and dress circle. This musical is family entertainment, with pathos, comedy, drama, sadness and happiness in equal measure in the music and story.

Paul Laidlaw, director, musical director and choreographer of this York Musical Theatre Company production, focuses on the musical numbers, and they are the outstanding feature of a production that is otherwise staccato. The flow is not helped by an over-fussy set design by Oldham designer Dave Benson - his first for YMTC - that requires constant changing, movement and re-assembly.

However, in his tenth anniversary YMTC show, Laidlaw brings out the best in his principals: John Haigh may be only 24 but the magic of make-up and his mannerisms and nasal intonation make him an impressively slippery, quick-thinking Fagin, and his rendition of Reviewing The Situation is a high point. Toni Feetenby sings better still, leading the Oom-Pah-Pah singalong with vigour and drawing the loudest applause of the night for her moving account of As Long As He Needs Me.

Of the young leads, Richard Lyth's little Oliver sings his heart out on Where Is Love? and tugs the heart strings throughout, while Sam Coulson adds to his growing reputation, good Cockney accent and all as the Artful Dodger, stealing scenes as any good pickpocket should.

Richard Bainbridge plays against leading-man type, playing a dark and brooding - if not exactly menacing - Bill Sykes, and the pick of the character performances is Mick Liversidge's Mr Bumble. Unrecognisable in heavy eyebrows, heavier sideburns and padding, he brings out the comedy with all the expertise of a Harry Enfield.

The workhouse boys lead off the big production numbers with an enthusiastic Food, Glorious Food and Fagin's Gang play their lively part in You've Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two and Come Back Soon. Typically good moments in a show where the parts are better than the sum.

Box office: 0870 6063595

Updated: 10:12 Wednesday, October 01, 2003