Oliver! producers ask for more from nine-year-old Taylor

A nine-year-old boy who won a walk-on part in the West End musical Oliver! impressed producers so much he has been given a permanent role.

Taylor Collins, from Greenwich, landed a one-off appearance at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, by sending in a video of himself singing Consider Yourself from the show, for a competition run by radio station Magic 105.4 in February.

Now he has been signed up for a speaking role as the Book Boy, who appears in a scene with Oliver Twist and Mr Brownlow, and will also be in the chorus, performing songs including the show's opening number, Food Glorious Food. Taylor has no previous theatre background or training.

His mother, Zoe Rust, 37, said: "He had two rehearsals before his first performance, but the choreographer said he had picked things up so quickly that he offered him a few more roles.

"He did so well that they gave him a permanent part. It's a great experience for him —the children there have taken him in and have been so nice. I'm so proud that he's done this through his own natural ability."

Taylor, who has been in rehearsals since March and will make his debut in his permanent role tonight alongside Griff Rhys Jones as Fagin, said: "I'm ecstatic. I've always wanted to go into the theatre. But now I've got a permanent part it's much harder. I'm a bit scared as I've had a lot more things to learn. I've tried to learn all the parts by just going over and over them. I'm really excited."