An all-new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel Oliver Twist is being staged in Chorley from June 20 to 25.

The team behind Chorley Little Theatre’s sell-out production of Blood Brothers last year, director Mark Jones and producer Lindsey Dickinson return with the adaptation firmly placed in the poverty-stricken streets of London.

Robert Jones plays Oliver Twist, the naive orphan who escapes from the workhouse in 1830s London. but falls in with a group of pickpockets and their leader, Fagin, played by Brian Clarke.

Oliver’s search for happiness leads him to encounter dangerous characters including the notorious Bill Sykes and kind, doomed Nancy, (Ryan Norse and Sarah Rosental).

Society chairman Ian Robinson said: “Mark Jones won a NODA award for his adaptation of Great Expectations and had a sell-out with his vibrant reworking of Blood Brothers The Play last year.

“This fast-paced epic production features all the humanity and darkness from the original book and will leave you wanting more.

“It’s an adaptation of the novel, so there's no singing and it’s quite dark so not suitable for young kids.

"There’s a large cast, it’s fast-paced and cinematic.

* Oliver Twist is at Chorley Little Theatre from Monday, June 20 to Saturday, June 25. 7.30pm. For more information and to book tickets call Malcolm’s Musicland on 01257 264362.