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.
Contents
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].
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
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.
Directed by British director Geoffrey Ferris for PACT in Johannesburg in 1978.
Early in 1986 it was 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.
Presented by the Playhouse Company opening 9 December 1994 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
Baxter Theatre pamphlet.
Playhouse Parade Dec 1994-January 1995.
Go to ESAT Bibliography
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