AS the production reaches its final day with two sell out shows, the Mayor of Thurrock has paid tribute to the cast and all those involved with TOPS on Stage's 'Oliver' which has been on stage at the Thameside Theatre in Grays all this week.

The production is the first return of the local musical group since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic and the performance has been roundly applauded. Thurrock Nub News visited on opening night and you can read the review here.

Last night (Friday, 8 October, Mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick attended and met the cast.

Cllr Shinnick, who has attended last month's demonstration by local residents and supported their campaign against Thurrock Council's plans to close the theatre, was thoroughly impressed and said: "I was honoured to be asked to attend Oliver by Tops on Stage at Thameside Theatre last night. It was an absolutely first class performance and the orchestra played fantastically. I wish all the cast all the best in the future."