TALENTED youngsters are being sought to tread the boards in a forthcoming production of the much-loved musical, Oliver!.

The Carpet Trades Operatic Society is looking for 20 experienced nine to 14 year olds to take part in the show, which was last performed in Wyre Forest more than 10 years ago.

The production will be directed by singing postman and former Stars in Their Eyes contestant, Darren Richards, who was recently featured in the Shuttle/Times and News when he released his third album, Swing and Smooch.

It will be the fourth musical the 37-year-old has directed with the Stourport-based society, of which he has been a member for 12 years, and he is hoping for as many youngsters as possible to audition to ensure they cast the cream of the crop.

He said a workshop/first rehearsal was being held on Tuesday, May 10 to enable interested youngsters to see how the society worked and auditions would be held on Sunday, May 22. Adult parts will be cast at a later date.

Darren, whose wife, Sarah, brother, Julian and sister-in-law, Wendy, are also involved in the society, said it shared many of its members with Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society, which was the last district group to perform Oliver!.

He added that anyone interested in auditioning for the show, which will be performed at Stourport Civic Hall from October 17 until 22, could obtain an application form by contacting Wendy Richards, who is choreographing the show, on 01562 639509.

The closing date for requests for application forms is April 25.