FOLLOWING on from last year's success of the summer Wycombe Swan Youth Theatre project many were left asking for 'MORE' and that wish has been granted with this year's production of Oliver.

It's that time of year again when hundreds of young people from High Wycombe and the surrounding area head to the Wycombe Swan for two 'gruelling' weeks to get ready to perform in front of a packed theatre. Think of the musical, Oliver, and dozens of songs come to mind.

It is packed with showstoppers including I'd Do Anything; Food, Glorious Food; Consider Yourself; Who Will Buy and You've Got to Pick-A-Pocket or Two.

And who can forget the 1968 film version with Oliver Reed as Bill Sykes and Ron Moody as Fagin?

So it is a big ask for a group of youngsters to take on such a popular show. But having seen the youth theatre's two past productions I have no doubt they will get it right.

For although it is an amateur group- the professionalism of the young actors is high as there is a professional production team working behind them.

Jenny Jones from Cadmore End is playing Nancy, Ben Cisneros from Hazlemere is playing the Artful Dodger and Nathan Ashton from Downley is playing Oliver. The show, adapted from the Charles Dickens' novel, follows a young orphan called Oliver Twist, who struggles through life, and comes to find himself involved in a pick pocket gang in London.

For Jenny it is her 11th time taking part in the Swan’s youth theatre. The 18-year-old is going to drama school in London in September having received a number of offers.

She is playing Nancy. Jenny said: "She is really gutsy- not like any part I have done before. "She holds her own on stage."

Ben, 16, said: "It is fun. The Artful Dodger is a cheeky character but he is also involved in the slightly darker side of things with Nancy and Fagin.

"He has great songs, which I am really looking forward to."

For Nathan it is his first time with the youth theatre and he won the lead role. The 13-year-old said he was really happy to get it after waiting all day to find out at auditions. He previously performed at the Royal Opera House with hundreds of children, and has been part of the High Wycombe Gang Show for a number of years.

He said: "I am really looking forward to it and meeting new people and making new friends and looking forward to the show."

About 220 to 230 children will be taking part and after two weeks of rehearsals will perform in the theatre.

Jenny said: "You make friends for life. I have met so many good friends over the last few years."

Ben isn’t sure whether he wants to pursue acting and is thinking of being a lawyer.

He said: "It is something I have wanted to do for a while. Acting is something I took up more recently. It is more of a hobby at the moment."

And although Nathan hasn’t yet thought about what he wants to do it was Matilda in the West End which inspired him to take up acting.

He said: "That is an amazing production. As soon as that finished I thought I have just got to do this."

Jenny, who can't wait to go to drama school, said she finds Oliver interesting as there is a darker side to it, and she said every one seems to know the music.

And because the songs are so well known she said: "You feel a lot of pressure. Everyone seems to have bought tickets already too. The pressure is getting more and more."

But she said about the youth theatre: "It did everything for me. I liked singing when I was younger- I did Annie when I was 11.

"The opportunity youth theatre gives you to work your way up is brilliant.

"I am never going to be able to do anything else again- I love performing arts.

"The minute you start you get hooked and you have to do it for the rest of your life."

Ben said: "It is always a professional atmosphere. They don’t treat us like children. We are children working in a theatre."

Jenny added: "They treat you so well. They give you the responsibility. If you don’t step up now you have let the show down."

Ben added: "The feeling you get after a show that has gone well is something else."

Oliver! Is at the Wycombe Swan from August 8 to 11 from Thursday to Saturday at 7pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm and Sunday at 5.30pm. Tickets are £12 to £16.50. To book call 01494 512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.

Due to a major refurbishment of Wycombe Town Hall there will be no youth theatre in February 2014.

For more leisure stories including more interviews, food reviews and gig listings click here.