Charlie's ready to tread the boards as Oliver

Charlie Green, 11, will take on the starring role in Rainbow Production’s staging of Lionel Bart’s musical Oliver, at the Alexandra Theatre.

“I am really excited about playing the part of Oliver. I do get nervous when I am up on the stage, but everyone at Rainbow is like a family.

“They give me so much help and support, in rehearsals they always clap. They are really encouraging,” he said.

This won’t be Charlie’s first time treading the boards on the theatre’s stage.

“I have played Michael in the Spillers’ pantomime production of Peter Pan. I love being on stage, my dream would be to make it onto the West End,” said the Regis School pupil.

Charlie will be sharing the stage with an actor of the four-legged variety. He will be joined by Alfie, the Staffordshire bull terrier (pictured left with Charlie), who will play Bill Sykes’ dog Bullseye.

The musical, which based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, is almost sold out. It will run from April 12 to 14. For tickets call 01243 861010 or visit www.regiscentre.co.uk