Twenty-four scene changes provide some logistic challenges for Anna Tamblin, director of the joint St Birinus-Didcot Girls School production of Scrooge.

Mark Hayward, 17, right, playing Ebeneezer Scrooge, with Ben Ferguson, 17, as Marley.

Mrs Tamblin and musical director Andrew Walker have a cast and orchestra of more than 100 people and are using probably the most successful musical version of Charles Dickens' story A Christmas Carol, by Leslie Bricusse.

"It's a bit like Oliver, only better," said Mr Walker, head of performing arts at St Birinus.

Audiences should appreciate a contemporary twist of the festive classic -- this production is set in Didcot, with the mayor, Ian Townsend, an RE teacher at St Birinus, taking on a cameo role as the town mayor.

The production is at St Birinus School from Wednesday until Saturday at 7.30pm. Tickets priced £6, £3 for concessions, are on sale at both schools.