SCORES of children are needed for probably the biggest production of "Oliver!" ever produced by an amateur company.

Award winning director Anthony Williams is producing the show for Bacup Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society at the newly refurbished Royal Court Theatre, Bacup, previously the Empire Theatre.

He plans to fill the stage with 150 children for the opening number, set in the orphanage where young Oliver asks for more gruel.

Anthony said: "We have already got 60 children but we need another 90 to make it the biggest amateur production.

"It's going to be a brand new, all-singing, all-dancing production with new choreography. Children interested in joining the show can come along to auditions at the theatre on Sunday, January 21, from 1pm.

The first singing rehearsals for the adult chorus will be held on Monday at 8pm at the theatre, and any adults who would like to join in are also welcome to attend. The show runs from May 14 to 19.

For more information, call the Royal Court theatre on 01706 874080.