Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th March 2025
OLIVER TWIST - THE PLAY
We have two wheelchairs spaces as indicated on the seating plan above.
To check availability and book please contact the Box Office on 01926 856548 (or email us through our Contact Us page)
Click for Seating Plan
The Dickens classic, but not as you know it!
by Charles Dickens, adapted by Guy Williams
Directed by Caroline McCluskey
Presented by The Talisman Youth Theatre
Delve into the murky underbelly of Victorian Britain with Dickens’ irresistible portrayal of poverty, crime and cruelty.
This classic story tells of young orphan Oliver’s arrival in London, where he soon falls under the influence of Fagin, a gang of young thieves, and the irrepressible Artful Dodger.
With a story much truer to the original, Guy Williams’ adaptation of the beloved novel differs dramatically from the musical version, portraying a darker, more realistic view of 19th-century London.
Featuring engaging performances from a talented youth cast, this theatrical experience is sure to leave you wanting more!
Age recommendation: Age 8 yrs and upwards or at parent’s discretion. Guidance might be needed as themes of domestic abuse and violence are explored on stage as part of the narrative which may welcome a follow-up conversation with a responsible adult for younger members of the audience.
Reproduced with permission of the Licensor through PLSclear.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
We have two wheelchair spaces available for each performance. To book wheelchair spaces, be added to the waiting list or ticket returns, please contact Box Office on 01926 856548 (or via our Contact Us page)
Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre
Barrow Road, Kenilworth CV8 1FN
We have two wheelchairs spaces as indicated on the seating plan above.
To check availability and book please contact the Box Office on 01926 856548 (or email us through our Contact Us page)
Click for Seating Plan
CAST & CREW
Cast
Mr Bumble – Leigh Hall
Mrs Corney/Mrs Bumble -Lilia Clifford
Board Member – Georgina McKernan
Slout – Oscar Wilson
The Chairman – Noah Ryan
Oliver – Alannah Harris
Workhouse Boys – Lucy Henderson, Leo Harold,
Sebastian Pang,
Sophie Burton, Alana Kelly,
Lily King, Cassidy Pang,
Abbie Pointon
Servants to the Board – Annabel Broad,
Hannah McDermott,
Emily Sale
Mr Sowerberry – Matthew Jolliffe
Mrs Sowerberry – Suraya Nagra
Noah Claypole – Antonio Pinheiro
Charlotte – Olivia Harold
Artful Dodger – Harrison Doyle
Charley Bates – Fergus Moseley
Fagin – Billy Arnold
Fagin’s Gang – Sophie Burton, Leo Harold,
Lucy Henderson, Alana Kelly,
Lily King, Cassidy Pang,
Sebastian Pang,
Abbie Pointon, Noah Ryan,
Oscar Wilson
Bill Sikes – Jacob Wilson
Nancy – Olivia Leaf
Monks – Laura Hampson
The Brownlows – Finn Cooke-Cannon,
Georgina McKernan
Mrs Bedwin – Suraya Nagra
Miss Grimwig – Sophie Burton
Workhouse Apprentice – Emily Sale
Female Pauper – Lucy Henderson
Old Woman – Annabel Broad
Old Sally – Hannah McDermott
Toby Crackit – Amy Jolliffe
Newsboys – Alana Kelly, Lily King
Thieves – Leo Harold, Cassidy Pang,
Sebastian Pang, Noah Ryan,
Oscar Wilson
The Chief Warder – Sophie Burton
Additional London Crowd/Servants/Bystanders/Newsboys – Annabel Broad, Amy Jolliffe,
Matthew Jolliffe,
Hannah McDermott,
Suraya Nagra, Emily Sale
Voice of Older Oliver – Mike McCluskey
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
Following the incredible success of last year’s youth production, Matilda Jr. The Musical, I wanted to take on something completely different—and Oliver Twist certainly delivers. This adaptation stays true to Dickens’ novel, embracing its darker themes, but we’ve infused it with our own creative touch, incorporating movement sequences to bring the story to life in a fresh and dynamic way.
Our talented cast, ranging from ages 10 to 18, has taken on this challenging play with remarkable dedication. For many, this is their first time on the Talisman stage, yet they have embraced the complexities of their characters with skill and maturity. Their hard work has truly made this production something special.
It is bittersweet for me, as this marks my final youth theatre production. Over the past seven years, I’ve had the absolute privilege of working with an extraordinary group of young performers and watching them grow in both confidence and talent. I have no doubt that they will continue to flourish, and I will forever be proud of what we’ve created together.
Join us as we follow Oliver’s journey to London and explore the gritty underbelly of Victorian Britain through Dickens’ unforgettable tale of poverty, crime, and resilience.
Enjoy the show!
Caroline McCluskey
