This classic story of young orphan Oliver, the small boy with the big heart, will have audiences tapping their feet and cheering from their seat as they follow the company on an immersive adventure from a desolate workhouse to the gloriously colourful streets of Victorian London. As Oliver searches for love and a place to call home, he’s befriended by the charming Artful Dodger and kindly Nancy before being drawn into Fagin’s gang of young pickpockets where he comes under the terrifying gaze of dastardly Bill Sikes.
An adult cast of 19, including actor, comedian, musician and writer Steve Furst as Fagin and leading West End actor Jenny Fitzpatrick as Nancy, are joined on stage by Nicholas Teixeira, 9, Carter-J Murphy, 9, and Theo Wake, 10, as lovable orphan Oliver Twist. Carter and Theo are both making their professional debut. The role of the skilful, cunning and cheeky Artful Dodger is shared by Felix Holt, 11, Noah Walton, 13, who was last seen at the Playhouse in 2022 as Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical, and Hughie Higginson, 13, who has been awarded accolades including a Pride of Britain Award and British Citizen Youth Award, which he received in Parliament.
Lionel Bart’s award-winning musical, adapted from Charles Dickens’ timeless novel, features some of the most memorable characters and well-loved songs seen on stage, including ‘Food, Glorious Food’ – as featured in the trailer – ‘Oom Pah-Pah’, ‘I’d Do Anything’ and the angelic sounds of ‘Where is Love?’.
The adult company also includes Chris Bennett; Minal Patel; Zac Adlam; Laura Cairns; Rachel Clare Chan; Rosie Ede; Frankie Hart, Christopher Glover; Llandyll Gove; Simon Green; Danny Lane; Rachel Laurence; Jake Lomas; Martha Pothen; Michaela Stern; Harry Waller; and Scott Waugh.
They are be joined by thirty-two young people: Aness Ahmed; Beatrice Armitage; Cyrus Campbell; Ella Jade Chadwick; Zane Chaba; Ariana Dar; Rose Dawson; Rebecca English; Aaron Fu; Ana Sofia Gutierrez Robson; Fearne Lily I’Anson; Kalil Judge; Shayne M Maphosa; Leo Maurice; Oliver Maurice; Amelia Minto; Jenson Lee McMaster; Jett Moises; Karis Musongole; Kayleen Nguema; Chizaram Ochuba-Okafor; Maxwell Paton; Robyn Pennington; Alexa Raja; Reggie Rollins; Jessica Russell; Hugh Jack Ryan; Porscha Mai Staniford; Tommy Thompson; Maddison Thew; Raine Williamson and Buster Wolfenden.
Relaxed and Dementia Friendly performances are available and a selection of digital resources, created by the Playhouse’s award-winning Creative Engagement department, are available free to all schools who book to see the production.
Ticket information;
Leeds Playhouse’s Quarry Theatre
Age guide 8+
Runs until 27 January 2024
Box office 0113 213 7700. Book online leedsplayhouse.org.uk
