Kendal Amateur Operatic Society, Kendal Town Hall, Kendal

KENDAL Amateur Operatic Society has never shied away from tackling the classics of the musical theatre world - and why would it with such talented members?

Now in its 101st year since members first trod the boards, the quality of its annual offering has not dipped one iota - and last week it was the latest crop of youngsters who stole the show.

Dickensian favourite, Oliver, was performed over five days at Kendal Town Hall, telling the story of the orphan boy who dares to ask for 'more'.

Several of the cast stood out including Clay Caldwell as the eponymous hero, who had the audience wiping away tears as he asked 'where is love?'

Similarly, Hayley Dent, as tragic Nancy, had the audience laughing one minute and reaching for the tissues the next, as she superbly portrayed the desperate relationship between her character and the evil Bill Sykes.

Oliver Ip as the Artful Dodger brought the expected cheeky charm to the role, while several actors and actresses, including Andy Whittle's Fagin, provided light relief in what is actually quite a dark tale.

Although occasionally some of the accents slipped into Cumbria-Cockney hybrids, the overall standard of acting was superb, and the long and loud applause at the end proved the group had brought home another winner.

The hall was full, presumably with people who knew to snap up tickets while they could. I, for one, will be back next year.

By Anna Smith