AN Ilkley family's success on the stage has led to a cry of: "Please sir, can we have some more?"

Clare and Steven Fitton, of Grange Avenue, have been plucked from almost 1,000 hopeful youngsters to star in a production of Oliver at Manchester's Opera House.

Steven, 11, will play Oliver, while Clare, 13, will star as Bet. The production stars Russ Abbott and Gary Wilmot.

Both youngsters had to attend a gruelling session of auditions before learning they had landed their roles.

Proud mum Lesley Fitton said: "I am absolutely delighted for both of them. They have worked very hard for this and I think for them both to land parts is quite an achievement."

Clare and Steven, pupils at Bradford Grammar School for Girls and Boys respectively, face a punishing couple of months.

Rehearsals start on August 17 before the curtain comes up for the first time on September 18.

Mum said she was grateful to children's respective head teachers for being so understanding and allowing her young stars some time away from the classroom.

Mrs Fitton said: "Clare had to wait a long time before going in to do her audition so she was particularly delighted when she heard she had got the part."

Clare is no stranger to the stage, having starred in a national production of Enid Blyton's The Famous Five, as well as a variety of local productions. Both are also involved with the Yorkshire Opera Shop.

Although Steven and Clare are both looking forward to their Manchester experience, they are not the only acting superstars in the Fitton household. Brother Alex has landed a role in The Sound of Music, to be performed in Skipton.

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