MEMBERS of Genesis Youth Theatre are rehearsing for their next exciting production, Olivia.

The show, set in Victorian times, traces the steps of Olivia from downtrodden orphan to star of the stage.

On her journey to the bright lights of London, she is befriended by Eliza Doolittle – from My Fair Lady – and, after a series of adventures, becomes a singer in a new Gilbert and Sullivan show, thanks to the unlikely assistance of Fagin and The Artful Dodger.

Fellow orphans Olivia, Eliza and the flower-sellers encounter George Bernard Shaw, Ebenezer Scrooge, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson along the way.

This feelgood show abounds with Malcolm Sircom’s well-known wit and humour, both in the script and the catchy and lyrical songs. John Walker, who directed Oliver in 2013 with Wellington Operatic Society, is directing the show.

John says he is delighted to be working with the youth theatre having been involved with its Twas the Night Before Genesis Christmas production.

He said: “We have a tremendous company of enthusiastic youngsters who will make this story come alive – and, don’t forget, by supporting Genesis you are nurturing the next generation of performers in Wellington.”

The show is scheduled to run at Wellington Arts Centre from Wednesday to Saturday, June 22-25, and tickets are on sale from E J Teare Newsagents in South Street, Wellington, or by calling 01823 662780.