Be on your guard in Whitehaven this week as there's a pickpocket or two in town!

The civic hall has been wonderfully transformed into 19th century London for the classic musical Oliver! being performed by a large and talented cast from Whitehaven and District Amateur Operatic Society.

It's a story that's familiar to everyone, accompanied by an iconic set of songs and it's a combination that's made all the more endearing by the enthusiasm that all the performers bring to their roles.

Our leading young man Oliver Twist is played by Whitehaven lad Oliver Jarvis in his first role in local theatre.

Big shoes to step into for sure, but he took to it like a natural, finding a nice balance between Oliver's naivety and anger at the situations that he finds himself in.

He was also up to the high-pitched task of Oliver's big solo number, Where Is Love?. A fine debut and surely the first of many starring roles on the local stage.

But he's not alone is delivering a fine performance and is joined by a solid supporting cast.

Dave Flitcroft, as orphanage owner Mr Bumble, is suitably booming in his performance, notably in response to Oliver's request for more gruel.

"I've never been so shocked in all my days," he replies, before selling Oliver to a funeral home, kickstarting a chain of events that ends with the lad on the streets and taken in by villain Fagin (Stuart Evans) and his gang.

"Consider yourself one of us," urges untrustworthy recruiter the Artful Dodger (Jonathan Lucas), as he lures Oliver into the pickpocket lifestyle, under the watchful eyes of Fagin, Bill (Jamie Wilson) and Nancy (Becky Hardman). But can he escape?

Directed by Ann Simpson, with Tracy McOuat as choreographer and David Proud as musical director, the show rattles along, with one much-loved song after another, the opener Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, Pick a Pocket or Two and I'd Do Anything to name a few.

So if you're in the mood for a classic tale, performed with passion, then consider yourself in for a fun night out at Oliver! Just keep your hand on your wallet!

The show runs until Saturday, nightly at 7.15pm, and tickets are £10 (£9 concessions) from www.thelittleboxoffice.com/wadaos

ANDREW CLARKE