Bradford's latest mega-musical was already a hit yesterday - seven months before it opens.

Theatregoers began queuing around the block as tickets for the smash hit Oliver! went on sale.

And at special preview for party bookers, the applause went on almost as long as the songs.

Ticket reservations for the show have already topped the £100,000 mark,

making it one of the fastest-selling in memory.

Oliver! will fill the Alhambra for seven weeks next summer.

The show's arrival in Bradford follows the record-breaking success of Les Misrables earlier this year.

The show, a revival of the original 1960s production, is a multi award-winner and the longest-running musical in the London Palladium's history.

It has taken more than £40 million at the box office worldwide.

The West End impresario Cameron Mackintosh, whose company is also behind Les Misrables, picked the Alhambra among only a handful of British theatres for the Oliver! tour.

Mackintosh's Production Admin-

strator, Robert Noble, said: "It is one of the best-run theatres in the country."

He confirmed that plans are also in hand to bring Phantom of the Opera to Bradford in 2000.

Oliver!, which opens at the Alhambra on June 29, is expected to attract nearly 80,000 people to its 55 performances. Box office takings could be as high as £1.8 million.

Theatre staff were delighted with the initial rush for tickets. A spokesman said: "The phone lines have been going crazy."

As well as its 110 performers and crew, Oliver! will feature a cast of local youngsters. Open auditions will be held in the new year.

The show will star comedian Gary Wilmot as Fagin, but a sinus infection prevented his appearance at yesterday's launch party.

Co-star Sonia Swaby said: "It's the most wonderful family show. There's a real buzz night after night."

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