A VETERAN of stage and screen is to present a one-man production of Oliver Twist in Otley.

James Hornsby has given over 150 theatrical performances and racked up a string of TV credits, include roles in Silent Witness, Witless and Doctors, over the past 35 years.

On the West-End he has worked with some of the country’s leading playwrights including Sir Alan Ayckbourn, Dame Kay Mellor, Richard Cameron and also, for many years, with John Godber at the renowned Hull-Truck Theatre Company.

After the success of last year’s highly acclaimed performance of David Copperfield at Otley Courthouse, Mr Hornsby is returning to the venue with his take on another one of Charles Dickens’ best-loved novels.

He will perform Oliver Twist as a one-man show - taking on a cast of memorable characters including Mr Bumble, Fagin and The Artful Dodger, Bill Sikes and Nancy, Mr Brownlow, the sinister Mr Monks and, of course, Oliver himself.

A Courthouse spokeswoman said: “This is a faithful, funny, thrilling and hard -hitting re-telling of this classic novel, all brought to life in the ‘inimitable’ style of Dickens’ own legendary public readings.”

The show takes place from 8pm on Sunday, October 7 and tickets cost £8.

They can be booked by visiting www.otleycourthouse.org.uk, calling (01943) 467466 or popping into the Courthouse, on Courthouse Street.