Thomas Lowe, 10, was set to play the starring part in Oliver.

But production company Nogal Productions feared nerves would get the better of the youngster and gave him another role.

However, the boy's mother claims Nogal overreacted and says her son would have coped on stage.

Thomas, from Treales, is a pupil at The Willows Catholic Primary School, Kirkham.

Mum Emma, 30, admitted Thomas confessed to being a little nervous about the role on occasions, but said she believed it was only natural for a child to feel like that.

She said: "They have taken it off him, but he would have done it. I think they have taken it too seriously."

But Gareth Pearson, the show's co-director, choreographer and publicity officer, said the decision to demote Thomas to another role was taken after discussions with all parties.

He said: "We spoke to his mum. His mum first raised concerns and said he was very nervous and spoke about it at home. He was forgetting his lines and said there was a lot to take in."

Mr Pearson said everyone felt it was the best decision to take Oliver off him.

He said; "It was a three week process.

"We gave him the part of Charlie a few weeks ago and he was over the moon about it. He was a different kid."

But Emma said Thomas felt embarrassed and rejected by the demotion.

"He came home and his words were they didn't want him to be in it anymore," she said.

"He's really upset and doesn't understand why they would give it to him in January and then give it to someone else in May."

Thomas, dropped three weeks ago, had spent five months rehearsing for the performance at Lytham's Lowther Pavilion, which will take place in July.

Many of the children in his year five class are also taking part in the production.