Gorleston Theatre Company is busy rehearsing for Oliver! which goes on stage at the Pavilion Theatre, Gorleston in April.

It is over 15 years since the group performed the award-winning musical, based on Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, and the show is proving a popular choice.

The young children taking the roles of Oliver and Dodger have a lot to live up to, as several who appeared in the role of the Artful Dodger have gone on to be successful household names, including Phil Collins, Davy Jones from the Monkees and Anthony Newley, and in the early 1960s, a young Dennis Waterman appeared as Oliver in its London run.

In the Gorleston production, Oliver is being performed by Finn Alderman, while the Artful Dodger is being played by Noah Keeler, both local youngsters.

Noah, 11, said: “It’s starting to get exciting now; we’re trying on costumes and rehearsing with all the other adult cast members now, so it’s starting to feel like it’s getting a lot closer to actually being on stage.”

Finn, 9, said: “I have done some shows before, so I have a good idea of the hard work we need to put in, but I know it will all be worth it once we get to actually being up on stage.”

Oliver! runs from April 15-19, with performances at 7.30pm Wednesday to Saturday, and matinees at 2pm on the Saturday and Sunday. Tickets online at or by calling the box office on 01493 662832 or in person at the Pavilion Theatre box office.