Following the previous successes of the musicals "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 2012 and "Bugsy Malone" in November 2013, Wellington College International Tianjin has developed a strong reputation for putting on musical productions of a very high quality.

This year again, with special and exclusive permission by London producers Cameron Mackintosh Ltd and the Southbrook Group, Wellington College International Tianjin successfully staged its third major musical production, the ever popular show OLIVER! by Lionel Bart.

Based on the fictional story of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, this is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and enduring musicals ever written. Featuring hit songs such as "Food, Glorious Food", "I'd Do Anything", "Pick a Pocket or Two" and "Reviewing the Situation", the show tells the story of young Oliver Twist who, after much physical and mental abuse, runs away to London to 'seek his fortune'.

With a lavish stage set and numerous originally designed costumes, this year's production involved a cast of over 75 students from both the Junior and Senior schools, aged from six to eighteen years, as well as a group of staff. Following the opening night, Wellington College's Director of Performing Arts, Steve Griffiths said "it was quite challenging for the students to work together, because such a huge project demanded patience and a strong spirit of team work."

"This is a very beautiful show, very enjoyable to watch," said one parent, who came to watch with her friends. "The singing and dancing are very nice. I think it is great for a school to have something like this for students to concentrate on outside of just day-to-day academic work." "It was fabulous, the standard of the performance was very high and the dance numbers were amazing." said an English parent, whose daughter was a member of the cast.

As the headmaster, Murray Fowler, said at the end of the show, the professionalism, and the huge contribution of the students, staff and parents truly reflect the spirit of the school.

The five nights run of Oliver! attracted hundreds of families and friends, and was a huge success. All eyes are now on 2015 and the next ambitious production.

This photo shows two students performing the ever popular show OLIVER!. [Photo provided to China Daily]