"Oliver" by Central Musical Theatre Company.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

Everyone should know the story of “Oliver”. The musical is based on Dickens’ classic novel of a workhouse boy who is sold as an apprentice to an Undertakers, but after another employee insults Oliver’s dead mother, a fight breaks out and Oliver escapes and is taken under the wing of Fagin, thanks to meeting another young, but streetwise urchin, The Artful Dodger, who with the other boys, teach Oliver how to pick a pocket or two for a living. Oliver also meets Nancy, the live in wife of Bill Sykes, who as we all know is not a nice man. This is where the dark side of the musical starts to rear its’ ugly head!

Oliver is played by Forrest Majhouri. Now, this is a big role for any young actor, and I think I can remember someone telling me that Forrest is only seven years old. This is a massive achievement for such an actor of tender years but nothing phased this young man at all. His voice was vulnerable but strong and he showed great confidence as Oliver Twist, and he definitely has that cute factor in the same way that Mark Lester had in the original film version. The look on his face at the final bows was an absolute joy to see; a mix of joy and possibly relief.

River Majhouri plays The Artful Dodger. Now, haven't I heard that surname somewhere before? River is Forrest's elder brother, so talent obviously flows through the family blood! River is a fine actor who has the cheek of the Artful one and can belt out the songs like a good un, cor blimey! He also has the choreography mastered and will be an excellent character actor as he gets older.

You can see the chemistry with these siblings. There was one part in the first act where Forrest blanked and, even though we heard the prompt from offstage, River, like a true professional and naturally as a brother, improvised to get his younger brother back on track. That I applaud both Forrest and River for. This will be first night nerves for Forrest, and I know this because throughout the rest of this performance, both actors were word perfect.

Adrian Redfern plays Mr Bumble. I received my first "tingle" in this musical from Adrian as soon as he started to sing. His tone and power had no need of a microphone and is a worthy match for Harry Secombe, who played Bumble in the film. Along with that incredible voice, Adrian gives a lovely comedy performance with Widow Corney in the "I Shall Scream" scene, as well as the scene in Act Two in the parlour scene.

Freya Primrose plays Widow Corney, and again, another powerful, big voice with the ability to deliver brilliant vocals and comedy characterisation. A fantastic pairing with Adrian.

Dean Osborn plays Mr Sowerberry, the funeral arranger and along with Lorna Kirkland as Mrs Sowerby, they make an entertaining pair, if not a little creepy, but that's what you'd expect from a pair who are happy when there is a funeral to arrange. Another excellent comedy duo.

Ellie Nicholas plays the not so nice Charlotte, who works in the Sowerby's business and playing Charlotte's boyfriend, co funeral worker, greasy bacon fan and Oliver's bully is Tim Hand as Noah Claypole.

Charley Bates, a main member of Fagin's gang who is up there with Dodger on the thieving stakes, is played by Ted Osborn. A nice cheeky role for Ted.

Jonathan Penton plays Fagin. I have seen many Fagins over the years and every actor brings something different to the iconic role. Jonathan goes back to basics for Fagin's character. The voice brings back memories of how Ron Moody played him with that broad Jewish accent. The image was Catweazle-ish (look it up on Google for younger than fifty year olds), even down to the long earring in the right ear which Fagin exhibited in the film. The whole physicality is spot on. Jonathan succeeds in bringing out the comedy in the character and especially in the songs "Pick A Pocket Or Two" and "Reviewing The Situation" which were both real crowd pleasers.

Fagin's Gang consist of Jack Berry, Takunda Khumalo - who wins the award for having the biggest smile on stage throughout, Maximilian Lee, Joshua Liddle - how cute is this young man?, Alexander Michael, Noah Simper, Noah Sindol and Tyler Sindol. I spot more talented siblings here! All of this gang of young actors are excellent in their roles and quite believable with some of their cheeky expressions when singing their songs with real enthusiasm.

Sarah Towle plays Nancy. In Central's show last year, "Dr Dolittle", I commented on her vocals; a year later her voice has matured like a fine, rich wine. Sarah has a gorgeous voice and her emotional rendition of "As Long As He Needs Me" gave me the second dose of tingles. In contrast "Oom Pah Pah" was light and as frothy as the beer in the tavern the scene was set.

Bill Sikes is played by Dominic Primrose. We all know that Sykes is the baddie here but when Dominic made his appearance in Act Two, there seemed to be a hush fall over the audience in anticipation of the bully, which really brought a darkness to the tavern scene. Another wonderful character role for this young man because when he took his bows, the audience booed. I have it on good authority though that Dom is a real pussycat away from the stage.

Georgie Bond is Bet, a former disciple of Fagin's gang. A lovely fun role which really suited Georgie down to the ground.

John Wedgwood is Mr Brownlow, the wealthy man who is unlucky enough to have his pocket picked on Oliver's first criminal spree, but not by Oliver. Brownlow takes him into his care and looks after him; feeding him and clothing him. The good deed brings to the surface a twist in the back story of Oliver's life.

Mrs Bedwin, Mr Brownlow's housekeeper who tends to Oliver, is played by Lynn Towle, who is also the Production Assistant.

Chris Banks plays Dr Grimwig, the medical man who is called by Brownlow to check Oliver over. The Doctor likes a good chuckle and creates more than a ripple in his supporting role. A nice fun role for Chris.

Helen Oldham is The Milk Maid, the Strawberry Seller is played by Liz Willgoose, Laura Jones is the Rose Seller and Greg Tabberer plays the Kinfe Grinder in the "Who Will Buy" scene. A very harmonious five way version of this song which also included Oliver as part of the quintet.

Bridgett Wyatt plays Old Sally, the character who relates to Widow Corney the history behind Oliver's birth, providing proof of who Oliver's mother was. All of this on Old Sally's death bed, well death wheel chair. Another character who provides a few giggles on her exit, and when I say "exit"......

The ensemble is made up by Kathryn Fitchett, Laura Hutsby, Sarah Rosental, Jade Turner, Richard Stokes, John Bolton, Tim Hand, Laura Jones, Lorna Kirkland, Ellie Nicholas, Helen Oldham, Dean Osborn, Adrian Redfern, Liz Willgoose and Bridget Wyatt. Jade and Ellie also play Workhouse Assistants.

Directed by Nigel Taylor. "Oliver" is one of my top five musicals, and I didn't think I could love it more, but Nigel's direction has done just that. I love this show more than I did when I walked in the Duchess.

Choreographed by Anthony Beaumont-Mills and Lauren Litherland. There are some big ensemble pieces which require choreographing; the opening scene and "Oom Pah Pah" for example, and both had a lovely energy to them. The scene with Fagin in "Pick A Pocket Or Two" is another well crafted piece of choreography. Three highlights, but I could have chosen any of the other scenes to be honest.

Musical Director is Morris Fisher, a diamond of an MD. With all of Morris's experience in this field, I for one knew, as soon as I saw the programme credits that the music and vocal side of this show would be of the highest quality. Guess what? I was correct. It's also lovely to see the ten-piece orchestra out front.

The soundtrack is packed with musical theatre classics like "As Long As He Needs Me", "Food Glorious Food", "Pick A Pocket Or Two", "Reviewing the Situation", "Where Is Love", "Consider Yourself", "I'd Do Anything", "Oom Pah Pah" and of course the title track.

The costumes are simply superb. From the workhouse simple rag-like, bare essential clothing, to the opposite end of the clothing spectrum with the bright official looking outfit for Mr Bumble. Fagin's robes were perfect as was the dark red costume for Nancy.

Stage Manager, Chris Margett kept the running of the stage going smoothly with the crew of Tim Booth, Julie Harper, Ben Redfern and Stefan Osvath.

Talking of The Set, which was multi levelled, creating London Bridge, plus an upstage exit and entry point, perfect for introducing and removing parts of the movable set, also making several stage access points for the actors. A bustling tavern scene, workhouse and funeral parlour plus the Brownlow's home and busy market place. Designed by Christopher Grantham and Chris Margett.

Sound Design is by Harry Greatorex with Lighting Design by Stephen Greatorex. The occasional missed mic cue but I know that this is opening night and the projection of the actors meant that I didn't miss a word anyway.

The standing ovation at the end shows that the rest of the audience were of the same opinion as myself, that this was a superb production highlighting the talents of these young actors, and showing the class of the other actors. Plus the opportunity for these very young stars to perform with the experienced actors, and learn from them is something I'm sure they will treasure, and likewise with the experienced actors learning from the youngsters.

"Oliver" is at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton until Saturday 24 February but is sold out all week. It may be worth putting your name down on their reserve list just in case any tickets are returned.