This August director Richard Cheshire returns to Aberystwyth Arts Centre to direct Lionel Bart’s popular musical Oliver!, with a large cast comprising of professional musical theatre performers and local children and young people.

The award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens’ novel springs to life with some of the most memorable characters and songs ever to hit the stage.

Richard Cheshire’s last summer show was Oliver! in 2005, a production that launched a number of now household names and local heroes – including Sam Ebenezer, Gwyneth Keyworth and Aberystwyth’s very own Hollywood star, Taron Egerton.

Fourteen years later, arts centre staff say they’re excited to welcome Richard back to the summer season and to discover a fresh batch of great theatre talent with open auditions for local children and young people for the key roles of Oliver, Artful Dodger and more.

Returning to the show is former Oliver, Sam Ebenezer, while other local faces in the ensemble include Bethan Pearce, Jordan Jones and Maeve Courtier-Lilley.

Also joining the company are some very familiar faces from Welsh theatre and TV, including Gillian Elisa, who’ll be playing Widow Corney, and Ieuan Rhys, who’ll play Mr Bumble. Both are known for long-running roles in Pobol y Cwm and both boast a wealth of stage and musical experience.

Mr Brownlow will be played by John Lyons, most recognisable for his role as DS George Toolan in A Touch of Frost and with decades of theatrical experience, including seasons as part of the West End cast of The Mousetrap.

Commenting on restaging a classic, Dafydd Rhys, director of Aberystwyth Arts Centre, said: “It’s fantastic that we’re able to present a summer season this year, and I’m really pleased that Richard has agreed to make a return, after directing so many successful shows in the past.

"We’re looking forward to a busy summer and to welcoming everyone to the arts centre.”

Taking on musical direction is Dan Jarvis, with musical supervision by Sgarmes’ Elinor Powell. Choreography will be by Ian Pyle and sound by Elis Griffiths – who also performed in the children’s cast of Oliver! in 2005.

Oliver! will open on Friday, 9 August, at 7.30pm and runs through until the end of the month, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy this lively classic for all the family. There will be a BSL interpreted performance on 22 August at 2.30pm.

For more of what’s on in your area, see this week’s Cambrian News, on sale tomorrow