Depserately needed . . . more grown-ups.

The Lime Walk Players are performing Oliver! at the Lime Walk Methodist Hall in New High Street, Headington this weekend.

But while the group has no shortage of children – 17 to be precise – it is in urgent need of more men for its future productions.

Director Mary Ross, 67, said: “We are looking forward to a fabulous production and we have lots of children to make up Fagin’s gang, But when it comes to filling the male roles we are really struggling.

“Like many groups we have women playing men and we do have some great male actors, but some of them are getting on a bit and it would be great to have some more members.”

The Lime Walk Players was set up a quarter of a century ago by a group of parishioners from Lime Walk Methodist Church in Headington.

The group started by organising a concert, andenjoyed it so much that the Lime Walk Players were born.

Concerts followed, then a pantomine and musicals, such as Annie and The Wizard of Oz, and most productions are now sell-outs.

Roy Peach, 24, who is playing Fagin said: “It would be great to have some more guys with us. You don’t have to be experienced, it’s a lot of fun.”

The final performance of Oliver! is tonight. Tickets, costing £8, are available by calling: 01865 761711.

If you’re interested in joining the Lime Walk Players, call 01865 241148 or email maryross1944@gmail.com