The school’s major production will feature well known songs such as Food Glorious Food, Where is Love, Oom Pah Pah, As long as You Need Me and the signature song Oliver.

St Paul’s drama teacher Stacey Griffiths has produced and directed the professional version of the stage musical of Oliver scripted in the USA from the book Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

Dickens wrote Oliver Twist in serial form - a social novel drawing attention to the Poor law, child labour and the recruitment of children as criminals.

Oliver an innocent child who turned out to be of ‘gentile birth’ was destined for the work house, Fagin’s den of thieves, prison or an early grave.

Dickens used black humour, satire, and grim realism to point out the hypocrisies of society at the time.

“Many school departments have come together with their skills to create all aspects of the stage performance,” Ms Griffiths said.

Head of English Paul Hendriks designed the poster, the technics-design teacher has made the sets and art teacher and students will paint them. A team of 10 students have been trained in sound and lighting to run the show. The dinner theatre package was designed by the food technics teacher and students.

Musicians from the local area will perform the music adapted by composer Lionel Bart and transcribed by music teacher Judy Corrigan. Joy Sanderson will be on piano, Paul Kinning - drums, Judy Corrigan - flute, School pastor John Borchet - trumpet, and Tony and Robbie Wenke - guitar.

The Parents and Friends Association co-ordinated by Sue Saunders have contributed to making of costumes and props.