Lionel Bart's adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story follows in song and dance the adventures of Oliver Twist, the poor boy from the workhouse who dared to ask for more.

Sold as an apprentice to an undertaker, Oliver runs away to London where he falls in with a host of colourful characters including the Artful Dodger, Fagin and his gang of young pickpockets, kind-hearted Nancy, and the evil Bill Sikes.

Cameron Macintosh's TV search for a suitable Oliver has caught the nation's imagination. Spa Theatre Company Juniors found theirs in the form of Harbury Primary schoolgirl Alisha Long.

Back in the workhouse Mr Bumble, The Beadle played by Thomas Codd and Widow Corney - Pollyanna Noonan - keep the urchins in line, while down in the 'Rookeries' of London a chance meeting with The Artful Dodger - Georgie O'Callaghan - leads Oliver to the lair of Jake Stevens-Mimms' sinister Fagin .

There he falls into the clutches of the murderous Bill Sikes played by Charles Engwell until he is rescued by kindhearted and courageous Nancy - Hannah Yeoman.

The company's Fran Hubbard said: "Not only is Oliver! a wonderful story with a traditional happy ending, it is full of some of the most memorable songs ever written - Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, I'd Do Anything, You've Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two, and As Long As He Needs Me - to mention just a few."

The musical will run at the Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, from June 4 to June 7 at 7.30pm and with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £7.50 for adults and £5.50 for children under 12 years of age available on 07780 678582 or 776438.