THE regular production team of producer/director Deborah Jones and musical director Richard Benson links up once more for Lionel Bart's Oliver!, next week's musical by Pickering Musical Society at the Kirk Theatre, Hungate, Pickering.

Packed houses will follow young Oliver (Jolley Gosnold/Joshua Kenyon) on his journey from rags to riches, helped by Nancy (Angie Owen), a graduate of Fagin's academy for pickpockets.

His progress is interrupted by the persuasive wiles of Fagin (Tom Todd) and the evil influence of Bill Sykes (Dave Blaker), while his friendship with the Artful Dodger (Megan Danby/James Morrissey) can lead only to trouble in the London underworld.

Oliver's journey is fraught with setbacks, but this determined young man knows he is destined for better things when he meets the kindly Mr Brownlow (David Tester).

Lively musical numbers include Food Glorious Food, Pick A Pocket Or Two and the not-so-familiar but witty That's Your Funeral, sung by the undertaker, Mr Sowerberry (Allen Hall), and his wife (Linda Tester).

Oliver! runs from May 2 to 7 at 7.30pm nightly. Tickets cost £6, concessions £5, family (two adults, two children) £20, on 01751 474833; the box office is open from 11am to 1pm daily.

Updated: 15:54 Thursday, April 28, 2005