KEIGHLEY Musical Theatre Company will be asking for more next month as it stages popular musical Oliver!. Lionel Bart’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist portrays the dramatic story of an orphan boy who falls in with pickpockets but finally finds true happiness.

KMTC spokesman David Brett said: “With many much-loved songs and memorable characters, our Oliver! is sure to be a crowd pleaser. We will take you back to the streets of Victorian England.”

David said the society had assembled an experienced and talented cast, many of them well-known regulars with Keighley Musical Theatre Company.

Peter Whitley plays Fagin, sharing the limelight with Jonny Tate (Bill Sykes), Fiona Passey (Nancy), Mark Brown (Mr Sowerberry and Dr Grimwig), Phoenix Hillier (Mrs Sowerberry) and Leah Ogrizovic-Kerr (Widow Corney).

David said: “Local man Lee Wallace joins KMTC to play one of the most well-known characters Mr Bumble, the role made famous by Harry Secombe. Mr Brownlow is played by Neil Holt who is from Addingham having appeared with the Players and Ilkley Theatre in recent times. Harriet Banister, from Silsden, joins the society to play the role of Bet.

“Newcomer Jay Airey takes on the role of Noah Claypole the undertaker’s apprentice, who has eyes for KMTC regular Natasha Armstrong (Charlotte Sowerberry). Jay lives in the South Craven area and teaches dance at Glusburn Institute.”

David said the show had a strong ensemble who would play supporting roles and dancers, adding: “The real stars of the show however are the young people who play Oliver, Dodger and the 14-strong group orphans and Fagin’s gang. We were delighted with the response at auditions to have so many talented boys to choose from.

“Eddie Chester is our Oliver. He lives in Oakworth, and despite his young age he has lots of local amateur experience to call on, having been a member of Oakworth Pantomime Group and KYDZ. The Artful Dodger, Harvey Dewhurst, lives in the South Craven area and following Oliver! he will be taking part in a school production of Grease along with Jay Airey.”

Oliver! will be performed from Tuesday to Saturday, October 15-19, at 7.15pm, and Saturday October 19 at 2.15pm. To book tickets, visit keighleymtc.com or the Copy Shop (off the Oakworth Road roundabout near Church Green), or email boxoffice@keighleymtc.com.