THERE IS set to be a musical start to the new season at Perth Theatre.

As the countdown to next month’s opening got under way the first rehearsals began for Lionel Bart’s family musical Oliver!

The story of the boy who wanted more begins its run on Friday, August 20, at 7.30pm.

The production includes some of the best known numbers from the world of musical theatre—Food Glorious Food, Where is Love?, You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, As Long As He Needs Me and, of course, the classic Consider Yourself.

Bart’s adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist tells a story of injustice and hope through the eyes of Oliver, an orphan living in a workhouse where meagre rations of gruel are handed out by the domineering Mr Bumble and the awful Widow Corney.

What harm is there in asking for more? Oliver soon finds out when he is on the streets and on the run.

His adventures introduce him to an array of colourful characters including the Artful Dodger, Fagin and his den of thieves and the terrifying Bill Sikes and his dog Bullseye.

Featuring a company of 14 actors, two teams of 24 local boys and a six-piece band, Oliver! runs until Saturday, September 11, with performances at 7.30pm Monday to Saturday and 2.30pm Saturday matinees.