THE story of theatre’s most famous orphans is coming to Egerton thanks to some talented families.

Oliver! is considering itself very much at home when it comes to the Parish Hall Theatre of Christ Church in Walmsley on Monday.

The popular Lionel Bart musical is being brought to the stage by Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society.

A full cast of society members features a host of talented families.

For example Nancy, Artful Dodger, Charley Bates and Bill Sykes are all members of the Wilson family, with dad David as Bill, mum Vicki as Nancy and their son Thomas, aged 16, as Dodger and daughter Natalie, aged 12, and Charley.

There’s even a number of grandparent and grandchildren teams, such as husband and wife Dave and Eileen Reeves, as Mr Bumble and Widow Corney, performing alongside seven-year-old grandson Zachary Baker.

Director Nora Howcroft said: “It’s lovely that it’s a family affair.

“We won our very first award with this play, it was the Manchester Evening News Cup in 1968, so it is brilliant to be a part of it again.

“The society has been doing really well at the moment and we want to carry that feeling on!

“Our production of White Christmas received 13 award nominations and I won best director in the North West this year at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association awards.

“Steve Benson who is playing our Fagin was nominated for the best actor in a musical award at the Bolton Amateur Dramatic Societies awards this year as well so we have a great team.”

Walmsley Church AODS was the first to stage the world premiere of Oliver! in 1968 and Nora became the first amateur actor to play Nancy while her late husband, Donny, became the first to play the role of the Artful Dodger.

Taking up the title role of the young orphan will be 12-year-old Sam Fullarton.

Tickets are selling fast for the production which runs until November 5, to book call the box office on 01204 305812.