The Setting: The London Slums 1830s

Recommended Grade Level: 7-12

Related Areas of Study: Charles Dickens: A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, Oliver Twist; The Dickensian Style; Social Conditions in Victorian England; British Literature; Social Satire; Literary Analysis; Character, Plot, Style and Tone; Adapting the Novel for Stage; Theatre

The Story: This intelligent, verbatim adaptation of Dickens’ Classic novel will engage and fascinate students of any of his literary works. Bartlett has crafted the main events and characters of Oliver Twist into a fresh, brave rendition which knocks the overly sentimental film from mind. Cleverly juxtaposing Dickens’ masterful dialogue with key passages of the novel delivered by the Artful Dodger and members of the ensemble who sing the passages as Victorian Music Hall entertainment, the play is a fantastic illustration of the Dickensian style. This well-crafted production will make Bill Sykes’ violence terrifying, Nancy’s determined sacrifice heart-rending and Oliver’s journey through abandonment and abuse all the more jubilant in its hopeful conclusion.