Oliver!

Oliver! [1] is a 1960 musical, with music and lyrics by British writer and composer Lionel Bart (1930-1999) [2]. It first opened in the New Theatre in London in 1960.

The original text

Based on Oliver Twist, or The Parish Boy's Progress [3], the second novel by English writer Charles Dickens (1812-1870) [4].

Performance history in South Africa

1962: Staged by the Brian Brooke Company, directed by Brooke, with Christopher Voysey (Oliver), Kenneth Baker (Mr Bumble), Marjorie McConvill (Mrs Corney), Joey Wishnia (Mr Sowerberry), Eileen Lawless (Mrs Sowerberry),

In South Africa it was first presented at the Brooke Theatre in February 1962, starring Arne Gordon, Ivor van Rensburg, Judy Layne and Howard Sacks. Roy Quinn (replaced on tour by Jeremy Fogg) played Oliver.

1978: Directed by British director Geoffrey Ferris for PACT in Johannesburg.

1986: Presented by the Baxter Theatre starring Henry Goodman as Fagin and Marilyn Bennett as Nancy, with Peter Krummeck, Joey Wishnia, Aubrey Ellis and Don Maguire. Direction and design by Michael Burke, musical direction by Peter McLea.

1994: Presented by the Playhouse Company opening 9 December at the Natal Playhouse directed by Murray McGibbon. Musical direction was by Lykele Temmingh, choreography by Mark Hawkins, set design by Rod Smith, costume design by Neil Stuart-Harris, lighting design by Joe Freedman. Stage manager Pam Eales. The large cast included Clive Scott, Brenda Radloff and Jamie Bartlett.

Sources

Brian Brooke Company theatre programme (undated).

Baxter Theatre pamphlet.

Playhouse Parade Dec 1994-January 1995.

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