This Easter will see what must surely be the largest CODS* cast ever at Queen Elizabeth's Community College, Lower School at Barnfield.

Around 75 actors will be on stage as the regular adult cast is joined by more than 30 youngsters to bring Lionel Bart's popular musical, Oliver! to Crediton in April.

The title role will be played by Charlie Lane with Eve Chivers as the Artful Dodger. Helena Paish and Emily Stephenson are their respective understudies.

Buffy Fouracre will be making her debut appearance in a CODS musical as Bet, Nancy's friend and Kelly Thompson who first performed with CODS last year in Jesus Christ Superstar, plays the kind-hearted but ill-fated Nancy.

Two faces that may be familiar from last year's production are Phil Ward, who played Jesus and John Nash who was Pilate. Phil is taking on the role of Fagin the career criminal, who maybe is not quite as "black as they paint", while John is the thuggish burglar Bill Sykes, at the sound of whose name everyone trembles.

The show will run from Monday, April 18 to Saturday, April 23 (to include a Saturday matinee performance) at QECC Lower School so make a date in your diaries.

Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, March 28 at Olivia James Design in the High Street, Crediton, priced £12 with the concessionary price of £8 for Monday, Tuesday, and the Saturday matinee.

Do make sure to get your tickets early for this popular show.

*Formerly Crediton Operatic and Dramatic Society.