John Burland reviews Oliver at Guiseley Theatre.

Consider yourself well entertained! This could be a new line from one of the songs in this spectacular musical performed by the Dbut Theatre School.

This stage school, catering for young performers, meet in Headingley and Shipley and the two branches joined forces for this show, the first major musical they have presented. A number of the youngsters are already members of other musical societies, particularly the Barnstormers in Guiseley, but for many others this was their first opportunity to perform on stage before a live audience.

And they certainly lapped it up! Whatever was lacking in professionalism, (and that was not very much at all) was more than made up for by the sheer enthusiasm of the company, which comprised a total of 84 youngsters aged between six and 20.

The stage version of Oliver is adapted from Charles Dickens's classic tale.

There were several notable performances , but one person, in my opinion, stood out above the rest. This was Vicky Settle in the part of Nancy. Seventeen-year-old Vicki has a talent way beyond her tender years. If she is looking at a career in musical theatre I am sure she would be a success and I could see her making a West End appearance in a year or two. Her rendition particularly of "As long as he needs me" was outstanding. It is not often that a performance can make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck but this was one such occasion.

I am sure that I saw tears in they eyes of one or two of the older ladies and gentlemen in the audience towards the end of this number.

As well as this particular song Vicky also shone in the numbers It's a fine life with the chorus. And it was the chorus numbers that brought out the full depth of talent of Dbut Theatre School. Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and Who Will Buy all were very well performed by the group, as were Pick A Pocket or two.

And here in the part of Fagin we had another great talent in Mark Hancock who, Jacqui Drake the school's principal and show's choreographer told me had never been on stage before this particular production.

His singing and acting were excellent, but if I have one word of constructive criticism for him, it is to not rush his words and speak up. Nevertheless, at 12 years old, he has plenty of time to learn and I am sure this will not be the last time we hear of Mark in local theatre. His rendition of Reviewing The Situation was excellent and I must also mention here the violin playing in this number by Craig Halliday, the lead violinist in the 12-piece orchestra.

Another 12-year-old was George O'Neill of Guiseley in the role of The Artful Dodger. Again, he turned in an outstanding performance, particularly in Consider Yourself. There were a few older performers, (if you can call 17 to 20 old), who added a more mature depth to the show and these were Simon Shorten as Mr Bumble, excellent in the songs Oliver and Boy for Sale alongside Helen Bentley as Widow Corney. Helen was last seen in the Christmas production by Barnstormers of Rock Nativity as Mary. Alongside her in that production as Joseph was her brother Chris, who was excellent in the part of Bill Sykes in this show. If Vicky Settle was the outstanding female, Chris has to take the plaudits as the best male performer. Not the biggest of parts in the show, but the meanest without doubt and Chris played this to perfection. His dramatic fight scenes with Nancy towards the end were excellent. Also, Thomas Rowbottom as Mr Sowerberry the undertaker, Aimee Saunders as his wife, Abi Bucknell as Bet, Patrick Rowbottom as Mr Brownlow and Hayley Wade as Mrs Bedwin all played their roles well. I particularly enjoyed the number It's your funeral with Mr & Mrs Sowerberry and Mr Bumble.

But there is still one youngster to mention, and that is Daniel Sapko in the title role. Daniel is only nine but played the part of Oliver superbly. He has a crystal clear voice, which was delightful in Where Is Love.

It was a thoroughly entertaining show, well produced by David Kirk and superbly choreographed by Jacqui Drake with excellent musical direction by Andrew Bedford. I look forward to seeing many more of their productions in the future.