Browse Sections

• Education
• Barlow's brief
• Special reports

Oliver hopeful asks for more

by Chris Hudson
14/ 5/2008

A RYLEY’S School pupil will do anything to become Oliver in the West End, and so far it’s working as he’s through to the semi-finals of a hit TV show.

Star of ‘I’d Do Anything’ Laurence Jeffcoate, 11, was picked by millions of viewers to join the group of eight boys in the next stage to become the workhouse orphan in a new musical.

The Alderley Edge schoolboy who plays trumpet and piano regularly performs with the Canzonetta Children’s Choir and the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and has previously won awards at the Alderley Edge Music Festival.

Laurence said: "I can’t really believe it. It’s just an amazing feeling. I think I could make a, hopefully, good leading man."

With just one place still up for grabs next week, the talented youngsters will battle to play the role of the orphaned urchin where three winners will be selected to appear in rotation during the show’s run at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Theatre impressario and Oliver producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh selected Laurence after the original group of 12 boys were filmed at The Ragged School Museum in London’s East End.

Their task for the TV show was to get a taste of life in Oliver’s day and deliver his famous line: "Please sir, I want some more."

Sir Cameron commented: "He’s a boy with terrific talent who’s really come out of himself and it’s a pleasure to see."

Ryleys School head teacher Pat Barrett was impressed by his star pupil. He said: "He is a bright and talented boy and we feel sure that he would make an excellent Oliver."