SALOS, founded in 1952, continued its stunning success story this week with Lionel Bart’s musical version of Dickens’ novel.

The rapturous response of audiences at the Wyvern was well deserved by the large cast, orchestra and stage crew, all deftly directed by Russell Langdown.

The show had excellent choreography, fine dancers and a strong, well-co-ordinated chorus. Groups of characters created swirling patterns on stage, as the action glides from scene to scene.

The two tier set, with ingenious effects and lighting, gave authenticity to the various locations, with thunder setting the initial tone. Good costumes, and orphans trooping through the auditorium, added immediacy .

There were brilliant individual performances. The title role was shared by Ben Canning and Kyle Iles, who played three performances each.

Young actor Charlie Lock took the key role as the Artful Dodger and James Canning was superb as Fagin, with his soliloquy, Reviewing the Situation, especially impressive.

The show has masterly moments. The cry “My pocket's been picked!” crystallises the action of the entire crowd, who turn almost mechanically, in unison, with the brutal murder of Nancy, on London Bridge, and Bet’s subsequent recognition of the victim, another highlight.