There's still some time to take part in one of the town's most eagerly anticipated shows of the year.

The Mercury Theatre and Colchester Operatic Society are collaborating in a very special production of Oliver!

It will be one of the first shows in the Autumn/Winter season at the Mercury’s pop-up venue, Mercury at Abbey Field, and the first time a professional crew will put an amateur cast through its paces.

Lionel Bart’s Oliver! will run at Mercury at Abbey Field from September 27 to October 12 and open auditions are being held to scout local talent for the show with separate days for youth and adult roles.

Anyone who wants to be considered to be part of Fagin’s Gang, a Workhouse Kid or the role of Oliver, Artful Dodger, Bet (age 16+), or Nancy (age 18+) will need to apply in advance by preparing a video.

Application forms will also need to be completed and sent alongside the video and can be downloaded from www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/oliver. These will need to be emailed to cos1theatre@hotmail.com by 5pm on Monday, April 8. All auditionees must be aged 11 or above by May 5 to apply.

Successful video applicants for Oliver, Artful Dodger, Workhouse Kids or Fagin’s Gang will be invited to attend a pre-audition workshop on either May 1 or 2 from 7.30pm to 10pm to prepare for an audition to be held on May 5 from 9.45am to 4pm), all to be held at the Abbey Field Centre.

Successful video applicants for the roles of Bet and Nancy and those who wish to audition for any other roles are invited to attend a pre-audition workshop on May 8 and 9 from 7.30pm to 10pm, prior to an audition on May 12 from 9.45am to 4pm at the Abbey Field Centre. To attend please register your interest by sending your name, playing age and a contact email address to cos1theatre@hotmail.com.

Further information can be found here www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/oliver.