Lloyd Webber, Mackintosh and the BBC start their search for Oliver and Nancy

Published Friday 21 December 2007 at 13:55 by Lalayn Baluch

Andrew Lloyd Webber and the BBC are to join forces once again for a new talent search, which will see aspiring musical theatre performers battle for parts in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Oliver!

I’d Do Anything will hunt for an actress to play the part of Nancy, as well as three young actors who will take it in turns to appear as the orphan in the title role.

A panel of judges will join Lloyd Webber in the weekly show, which will be presented by Graham Norton, and will also see producer and theatre owner Mackintosh take part as a judge.

Auditions for the talent search will begin in early 2008, and the show will be broadcast on BBC One next year. It will follow the format of earlier collaborations between the Webber and the broadcaster - How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do.

Elaine Bedell, controller of entertainment commissioning at the BBC, said: “We’re really pleased to be building on the success of Any Dream Will Do with a new search for West End stars next year.

“Oliver! is a much-loved British musical so we’re sure the show will unite families and melt hearts across the UK as we watch some of Britain’s best new talent take centre stage.”