WIRRAL Globe's arts editor Craig Manning is among the cast of Rock Ferry Amateur Operatic Society's forthcoming production of Oliver.

He plays Mr Sowerberry the undertaker in Lionel Bart's musical, which will be staged at the Gladstone theatre in Port Sunlight from March 17-20.

Pictured with Craig is Wendy Copeland-Blair as his stage wife Mrs Sowerberry and Alex McDermott as Oliver.

Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, the story follows Oliver as he encounters characters such as Mr Bumble, Mr and Mrs Sowerberry, Fagin, Bill Sykes and Nancy and the boys and girls of the workhouse and Fagin's gang.

The show's well-known songs include Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You've Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two and As Long As He Needs Me.

Performances start at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee.

Tickets are from the ticket secretary on 334 3534, the theatre box office 643 8757, on-line at gladstonetheatre.org or the usual theatre outlets.