THEY say you should never work with children or animals, but Julie Storey is doing both.

The dance school owner is currently directing Weymouth Operatic Society’s adaptation of Oliver! and has to contend with young performers and a number of hounds.

But luckily all is going according to plan.

“It is going really well and the youngsters are working brilliantly with the rest of the cast,” said Julie.

“There are two sharing the role of Oliver and two Artful Dodgers plus a team of 34 who make up Fagin’s gang and some extra girls for the street scenes.

“We had around 145 children turn up for the open auditions and unfortunately could only take some of them because there is not enough room on stage for them all.

“The dogs playing Bullseye are also doing well. They had extensive auditions with children and adults so hopefully they will be fine.”

Oliver! is Lionel Bart’s musical adaptation of Dickens’ Oliver Twist.

It is a lively, fun-packed show full of much loved sing-along songs including Consider Yourself, Where is Love, I’d Do Anything and Food Glorious Food.

For the operatic society performance, Toby Leigh and Luke Strong have taken the role of Oliver, while Josh Brunell and Joseph Watters play The Artful Dodger.

Other main roles include Paul Brewster as Fagin, John Mullins as Bill Sykes, Karen Pankhurst as Nancy and Geoff King as Mr Bumble.

Julie added: “It is a lovely show and people know it well so hopefully they will come and be singing along to all of the songs.”

Oliver! is at Weymouth Pavilion from Tuesday to Saturday, July 20 to 24 with performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £12 from the box office on 01305 783225.