A MUSICAL theatre company is hoping to leave audiences asking for more with its production of Oliver.

The Northallerton Musical Theatre Company has spent around £23,000 on staging the performance on costume, an orchestra and royalties – but according to secretary Maureen Willoughby it is a cheaper than average production.

She said: “Most years we spend closer to £26,000 on a production.

“We do a lot of fundraising all year round and have a president and patrons that give us annual fees but it is a constant effort to keep the money coming in.

“We don’t like to jeopardise quality or cut corners because we want it to look as professional as possible.

“We have two great boys playing Oliver and Dodger who will be brilliant – everything is coming together now.”

The show opens at The Forum, Northallerton on Monday, October 21 and runs until Saturday, October 26. There is a matinee on the Saturday as well as an evening performance. The booking office is at Boyes Store, Northallerton, open between 10am and 4pm, or telephone bookings can be made on the ticket hotline 01609-770936.

Early booking is advised as two performances are already almost sold out.