FOLLOWING the success of last year's production of The Sound of Music, Kendal Amateur Operatic Society (KAOS) is bringing another classic to the town this winter.

Get ready to laugh, cry and sing along when a run of Oliver! begins at Kendal Town Hall, telling the story of the orphan who dared to ask for more, before running away to navigate the shady world of London's pickpockets.

The musical, packed with well-known tunes including 'Consider Yourself', 'Food, Glorious Food', and 'I'd Do Anything', will be on between November 4 and 8.

Rehearsals have been taking place since June with a cast of around 40 people aged from seven to 77, including school children from right across South Lakeland and north Lancashire.

Last year's The Sound of Music 'went down a storm' with local people so this year KAOS decided to go for another classic - and Oliver! was chosen as the 2014 production as it was felt to be 'inclusive' for both audience and cast.

"What we're trying to do is be inclusive to as wide a group of people as possible," explained member, Kate Vernon.

"Musical theatre should appeal to young and old alike and this year we've picked a traditional show that most will have heard of. It also means we can include people of all ages in the cast."

The musical, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, is based on the novel, Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens, which is set for the most part in London's seedy underworld sometime shortly before the reign of Queen Victoria.

It tells the story of the eponymous orphan, who runs away from a workhouse and joins up with a group of boys trained to be thieves by an elderly mentor.

The musical version of the story premièred in 1960 and has since enjoyed a successful Broadway run and revivals on the West End.

Recent BBC TV programmes have made Oliver! even more popular.

Although a villain in the novel, Fagin has become a comic character in the musical version, while the character of Nancy is certain to have the audience in tears.

Oliver will be played by Clay Caldwell, the Artful Dodger by Oliver Ip, Fagin by Andy Whittle and Nancy by Hayley Dent.

"Everyone is excited and has worked really hard," added Kate.

"It will be a great show.

"It's also the kind of production with great songs that people know and can hum along to."

Tickets are available through the Brewery Art Centre at www.breweryarts.co.uk or on 01539-722833.