OLIVER Twist, Dickens’ classic tale of poverty and pick-pocketing, privilege and prosperity is given the Jenny Wren treatment, as a small but perfectly formed cast unravel the secrets of Oliver’s past, portraying all the colourful characters he meets on his perilous path. Expect laughter and tears, surprises and fears; but not Lionel Bart’s musical – they can’t sing!

Jenny Wren Productions have earned an enviable reputation for their fast-paced delivery and energetic performances. Previous hit productions include A Child in the Forest, Around the World in 80 Days, The Pickwick Papers, The Hound of the Baskervilles and last year’s Brief Encounter.

This well-known tale will have all the usual Jenny Wren hallmarks, including some intriguing twists and turns, some comedy, some pathos and some tragedy, as they bring their own imaginative take on this classic novel to an open air venue near you.

OLIVER TWIST by Jeremy Brock, adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens can be seen at the following open air venues Saturday and Sunday, July 19/20 Court Lodge, Randwick, nr. Stroud, Box Office: 01453 763485/765597 or Sawyers Estate Agents: 01453 751647. Performance 7pm – grounds open from 6pm for picnics.

Refreshments including wine on sale. Saturday, July 26 Museum in the Park, Stroud, Box Office Stroud TIC: 01453 760900. Performance 7pm – Museum open from 6pm where tea, coffee, ice creams and cakes will be on sale, or for picnics in Stratford Park grounds; Sunday, July 27, Highnam Court, nr. Gloucester, Box Office: 08454 226119 or Gloucester TIC: 01452 396572 Performance 7pm – grounds open from 5.30pm for picnics. In aid of the Pied Piper Appeal – making a difference to the lives of sick children in Gloucestershire; Wednesday, July 30, Cowley Manor, nr. Cheltenham, Box Office Everyman Theatre: 01242 572573 www.everymantheatre.org.uk Performance 7pm – grounds open from 6pm. Please do not bring picnics – picnic food and drinks (including alcoholic) will be on sale; Thursday, July 31, Westonbirt School, Tetbury, Box Office Everyman Theatre: 01242 572573 www.everymantheatre.org.uk Performance 7pm – grounds open from 6pm; Friday, August 1, Tuckwell Amphitheatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham, Box Office: 01242 258002, Performance 7.30pm – grounds open from 6pm for picnics.