A SCHOOL is asking people in Oxfordshire to consider themselves invited to an ‘outstanding’ production of Oliver.

The popular musical by Lionel Bart will be brought to the stage by nearly 140 students at Burford School from today (Tuesday) until to Saturday (1).

Musical director in charge of the show Sean Frankcom said he wanted to give the cast of youngsters an experience like a professional performance.

He said: “I am delighted to be staging Oliver this year. My philosophy for school musicals is to try to recreate what it would really be like to perform on a professional stage and to provide both the students and the audience with the excitement that live theatre creates.

“We’ve had an overwhelming number of students involved in the show so it’s really brought everyone together right across the year groups.

“It is true that at Burford we push the boundaries on all aspects of the show from sound, costume, professional musicians and of course the incredible light show.

“1999 was the last time we performed Oliver and I wanted to enhance some aspects of that production. "This is the first time we have engaged the services of a professional set builder and painter and the results promise to be outstanding.”

The production is sponsored by Burford Garden Company.

A spokesman for the company said: "We are incredibly pleased and proud to be sponsoring Burford School’s production of Oliver. We greatly admire the school, not only for its rich heritage and high standards but also for its keen focus on providing students with an exceptional, multidisciplinary experience.

"The school’s production of Oliver is a clear example of this, with its cross-year group inclusion and the dedication of the staff to make this an extremely enriching experience for all those involved."

For tickets call 01993 823303n or email sand1948@burford.oxon.sch.uk