THE Likes of Us tells the story of the early life of Dr Barnardo and was the first collaboration of those two masters of the musicals Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Performed on a simple set with a back projection showing appropriate slides of the period, Caldicot Musical Theatre Society played for two evenings to packed and appreciative audiences.

It was a brave choice for an Amateur company to perform this show whose story is told with the aid of a Narrator (wittily performed by Bruno Cook).

From the raucous opening number ‘Twice in Love Every Day’ - vivaciously performed by ‘good time girl’ Rose (Jo Postle) - to the concluding ‘The Likes of Us’, the cast provided energy and an abundance of enthusiasm throughout.

It is apt that a show about Barnardo should include a cast of well-rehearsed and choreographed children, who without doubt stole the show, the youngest being only three years of age!

Hats off to Director Vicki Day who also played the love interest for Barnardo and sang with confidence and sincerity and who had obviously put a lot of hard work into this production. It is reassuring to see a Society playing such an important part in the community and providing a real training ground for local talent.

A special mention for Luke Hereford (Johnny) and the young up and coming talents of Charlie Edmund and his partner Ellie Bond whose duet showed self-assurance and maturity despite their young ages. Costumes, props, lighting and the live band all enhanced the evenings entertainment.

A portion of the proceeds from the amateur productions of The Likes Of Us through 2010 was donated to the Barnardo Children's Charity.