Meet the Olivers!

The BBC's hunt to find the next stars of the West End is coming to a close. Though the winning Nancy will be announced this weekend, the successful Olivers have already been chosen.

And the winners are: 11 year old Laurence from Cheshire; Gwion, also 11, from Carmarthenshire and Harry, 12, from Oxfordshire.

Initially 12 boys were selected from thousands of hopefuls to perform in the televised programmes. Each week these boys were given tasks appertaining to the role and each week one of the youngsters was chosen to go through to the semi final. From the eight that were put through, Cameron Mackintosh and the panel had to select just three boys to take to the West End. Because of their age and the pressures of schooling, the boys will take it in turns to perform the role when the show opens in six months.

It's certainly been a long road for Laurence, Gwion and Harry. They have been given masterclasses in everything from stage fighting and dance routines to football training with Tottenham Hotspur (team building, apparently). And with a performance in front of millions of viewers each Saturday, all of the boys coped with the pressure and performed to a remarkably high standard every time.

With previews scheduled for December and the show properly opening in the new year, the three winning boys will now have a rigourous rehearsal period to get them ready for the West End. Book your tickets to see Oliver! with Show and Stay^® now and you could be amongst the first to catch Laurence, Gwion or Harry in action. As 'the Lord' said last week, "Which ever one you go to see, you're in for a great show"

Published by: Nathan Brooker