Consider yourself welcomed along! MUSICAL: Youngsters take starring roles in 'cut-price' version of classic show.

Byline: Jane Tyler

A "CREDIT crunch" version of hit musical Oliver is taking to the stage in Birmingham.

For those who cannot afford to go to London to see the West End production, a lower-budget production will be on at the Crescent Theatre.

Musical theatre society The Arcadians will bring the popular musical to the city from tomorrow until Saturday. It will be the group's biggest production of the year, featuring a cast of between 50 and 60 - with 30 of those being children.

Taking the title role is Halesowen schoolboy Henry Liggins, aged nine. Apart from the odd production at Lapal Primary School, Henry is a stage novice. He originally went for the role of Artful Dodger but ended up with the top job.

Drama teacher Ann-Louise McGregor is heroine Nancy. Ann-Louise, head of performing arts at Hillcrest School in Bartley Green won the role ahead of seven other women.

The pickpocket, the Artful Dodger, will be portrayed by Mitchell Elliott, 10, from Acocks Green, a pupil at Hatchford Brook Primary. He auditioned because his sister did -while he got a part, she did not.

The conniving criminal Fagin is played by Dave Williams, aged 34, from Halesowen, a veteran of the stage with 12 productions under his belt, including West Side Story.

Dave has been with the Arcadians before, having performed in The Boyfriend, Meet Me In St Louis and Something Old, Something New.

The real star will be Bill Sykes' dog Bullseye, played by mini bull terrier, Nemo. Although this will be Nemo's first role, he comes from a family of dogs with performing credentials and is owned by Alexis Abrahams from Birmingham.

The Arcadians are always looking *for members. Anyone interested should call Stella Rourke on 07950 242114. Tickets are available from the Crescent on 0121 643 5858 or at www.crescent-theatre.co.uk

CAPTION(S):

Young stars: (From left) Evie Rutter, Katie Clabon, Dylan Hartnell and Henry Liggins