OLIVER TWIST
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Olivia Race
After the death of his mother in childbirth, orphan Oliver Twist faces the world alone. On escaping his miserable existence in the workhouse, Oliver is taken in by juvenile pickpocket the Artful Dodger, to a dark criminal underworld of London thieves; where he meets the loathsome Fagin, vicious Bill Sikes and self-sacrificing Nancy. In a brilliant tale depicting Oliver's struggle between hope and cruelty, Dickens creates an unforgettable world of threat and mystery.
October & January 2017
Leeds Kirkgate Market
April 2016
Durham Indoor Market
OUR PRODUCTION
We have staged the performance in both Durham’s Indoor Market and Leeds Kirkgate Market, with the Victorian aesthetic of the buildings really furthering our vision to transport our audience back to the streets of Dickens' London. One of the reasons I wanted to create my own adaptation was to fuse the language of Dickens with the contemporary theatre world, and although there are already many versions of Oliver Twist, I believe we managed to retell the story in a new and exciting way. I was particularly interested to direct the story using the promenade style, as it enabled closer interaction between the actors and the audience. Part of the difficulty when working with a story which is widely known is that people have preconceived ideas of the characters, but as director I was keen for the actors to develop their own personal understanding of their characters and build up their own story.
Furthermore, I also made the decision to cast both Oliver Twist and the Artful Dodger as females, as I believe it is important to create a greater place for women in theatre; allowing their voices to be heard both on stage and off.
Olivia Race, Director
THE CRITICS RESPONSE
“I loved this production … The market provides a unique atmosphere that brings the story to life in a way a static theatre stage never could.” (Culture Vulture, full article)
“This is about as far away for the classic movie as you can get which, frankly, is a good thing as the company give Dickens the respect the master deserves.” (North West End, full article)
“Ingenious and engaging.” (The Reviews Hub, full article)
"Charles Dickens’ classic novel has been masterfully adapted by director Olivia Race." (Northern Echo, full article)
"The most unique piece of theatre that I have seen this year ... It is a testament to how much can be done with theatre. I can promise anyone who goes to see it will leave the Indoor Market, like me, wanting more." (First Night, full article)
"It was an utterly endearing production that was practically perfect!" (Palatinate Stage, full article)
"I can't remember enjoying a production so much. The promenade approach in the market was inspired: the old market hall and stalls adding atmosphere and authenticity to the story being told." (Audience Member)
"A powerful and convincing tale, told in the Victorian majesty of the Leeds City Market - evocative and thought provoking." (Alison Lowe, Leeds City Councillor)
"It was a privilege to have seen the production." (Audience Member)
"Amazing storyline, brilliant acting, an unforgettable experience." (Audience Member)
CAST & CREATIVES
CREATIVE TEAM (October 2017)
Director & Producer - Olivia Race
Director & Producer - Sam McKay
Composer - Robert Collins
Musical Director - Claire-Marie Seddon
Costume Designer - Alissa Cooper
CAST (October 2017)
Oliver Twist - Georgina Franklin
The Artful Dodger & Rose - Riana Duce
Fagin - Leslie Davidoff
Bill Sikes - James Barrett
Nancy - Olivia Race
BAND (October 2017)
Clarinet - Ellie Marsh
Viola - Pamela Crawford
Trombone - Max Purcell-Burrows
"I grew up in Leeds, and always loved getting lost in the maze of Kirkgate Market, so to perform there and hear audience members' wonderful comments about how beautiful the market looked was very special. As an actor, getting to move around a space as gorgeous as the market, interacting with audience members and seeing close up how much they're enjoying the experience is priceless. Front Room's brilliantly innovative vision created a production that was incredibly fun and unique for the company and audiences alike!
The Artful Dodger and Rose were two of the best characters I've played - especially loveable Dodger! Bringing such a well-known, cheeky character to life, in a production that stayed true to the very dark sadness of Dickens' story, was an absolute joy, and an experience I'll treasure for a long time." Riana Duce, The Artful Dodger & Rose
"I am so proud to have been part of this excellent production. I felt instantly at home in this warm, fun and talented group of people and hope I can work with them again in the future." Pam Crawford, Violist
CREATIVE TEAM (January 2017)
Co-Director & Producer - Olivia Race
Co-Director & Asst. Producer - Sam McKay
Composer - Robert Collins
Asst. Director & MD - Claire-Marie Seddon
Costume Designer - Alissa Cooper
Poster Designer - Penny Babakhani
CAST (January 2017)
Oliver Twist - Georgina Franklin
The Artful Dodger & Rose - Riana Duce
Fagin - Ian Whitehead
Bill Sikes - Tristan Robinson
Nancy - Olivia Race
BAND (January 2017)
Clarinet - Hannah Williams
Violin - Sandy Thin
Viola - Pamela Crawford
Acoustic Guitar - Jordan Balla
Trombone - Tim Hurst / Max Purcell-Burrows
CREATIVE TEAM (April 2016)
Director - Olivia Race
Producer - Penny Babakhani
Producer - Dominic McGovern
Producer - Genevieve Burns
Composer - Rob Collins
CAST (April 2016)
Oliver Twist - Jenny Walser
The Artful Dodger - Elle Morgan-Williams
Fagin - Michael Yates
Bill Sikes - Tristan Robinson
Nancy - Sarah Slimani
Rose - Clemmie Medforth
BAND (April 2016)
Violin - Sandy Thin
Viola - Olivia Ballantine-Smith
Clarinet - Ed Hislop
Trombone - Theo Hurford
Guitar - Dan Haynes
SUPPORT
A huge thank you to West Yorkshire Cameras and Rennicks UK for their support and sponsorship of Oliver Twist.
SPECIAL THANKS
Howard Parker, Robert Tait, Leeds Kirkgate Market, Leeds City Council, James Capstick, Gary Chadwick, Kevin Bradbury, Gavin Skeet, Slung Low, Joanna Resnick, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Jenny Sullivan, James Clare, Stuart Rowlings, Julian Cooke, Alissa Cooper, Tim Hurst, Dominic McGovern, Annabel Kersley, Katie Hawkhead, Paul Wilshaw, Matt McKay, Penny Babakhai, Copy Concept, Genevieve Burns, Martin Race, Alice Barber, Lillian Race.
Without your support this production would not have been possible.