Overview

Synopsis

Bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved novel to life, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! takes audiences on a wild adventure through Victorian England. Join young,orphaned Oliver Twist as he navigates the London’s underworld of theft and violence, searching for a home, a family, and - most importantly - for love. When Oliver is picked up on the street by a boy named the Artful Dodger, he is welcomed into a gang of child pickpockets led by the conniving, but charismatic, Fagin. When Oliver is falsely accused of a theft he didn’t commit, he is rescued by a kind and wealthy gentleman, to the dismay of Fagin’s violent sidekick, Bill Sikes. Caught in the middle is the warm-hearted Nancy, who is trapped under Bill’s thumb, but desperate to help Oliver, with tragic results. With spirited, timeless songs like “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Food, Glorious Food,” and “Where Is Love,” Oliver! is a musical classic.

Show Information

Book
Lionel Bart
Music
Lionel Bart
Lyrics
Lionel Bart
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1960
Genres
Drama, Comedy, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
london, 1830s
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Musical Staging
Licensor
Concord Theatricals
Ideal For
Community Theatre, Regional Theatre, Professional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Child, Early Teen, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters, Large Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Oliver Twist

Lead

Male

Treble/Boy Soprano

Fagin

Supporting

Male

Bass-Baritone

Bill Sikes

Supporting

Male

Bass-Baritone

Nancy

Supporting

Female

Alto

Artful Dodger

Supporting

Male

Soprano

Mr. Bumble

Featured

Male

Tenor

Widow Corney

Featured

Female

Soprano

Mr. Sowerberry

Featured

Male

Baritone

Mrs. Sowerberry

Featured

Female

Soprano

Charlotte

Featured

Female

Spoken

Noah Claypole

Featured

Male

Spoken

Bet

Featured

Female

Alto

Mr. Brownlow

Featured

Male

Spoken

Old Sally

Featured

Female

Spoken

Mrs. Bedwin

Featured

Female

Spoken

Adult Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Workhouse Boys

Ensemble

Male

Fagin’s Gang

Ensemble

Male

Dr. Grimwig

Ensemble

Male

Spoken

Songs

Act One

  • Prologue / Overture – Orchestra
  • Food, Glorious Food– Workhouse Boys
  • Oliver!– Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney
  • I Shall Scream – Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney
  • Boy for Sale – Mr. Bumble
  • That's Your Funeral – Mr. Sowerberry, Mrs. Sowerberry, and Mr. Bumble
  • Coffin Music – Orchestra
  • Where is Love? – Oliver
  • The Fight - Orchestra
  • Oliver's Escape – Orchestra
  • Consider Yourself – The Artful Dodger, Oliver, and Chorus
  • You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two – Fagin and Fagin's Gang
  • It's a Fine Life – Nancy, Bet, and Fagin's Gang
  • I’d Do Anything– The Artful Dodger, Nancy, Oliver, Bet, Fagin, and Fagin's Gang
  • Be Back Soon – Fagin, The Artful Dodger, Oliver and Fagin's Gang
  • Capture of Oliver – Orchestra

Act Two

  • Oom-Pah-Pah – Nancy and Chorus
  • My Name – Bill Sikes
  • As Long as He Needs Me – Nancy
  • Where Is Love? (Reprise) – Mrs. Bedwin
  • Who Will Buy? – Oliver, Vendors, and Chorus
  • It's a Fine Life (Reprise) – Bill Sikes, Nancy, Fagin, and The Artful Dodger
  • Reviewing the Situation – Fagin
  • Oliver! (Reprise) – Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney
  • As Long As He Needs Me (Reprise) – Nancy
  • London Bridge – Orchestra
  • Reviewing the Situation (Reprise) – Fagin
  • Finale – Company

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Adaptation

    A version of a work modified from another medium or language, making it suitable for a new performance context.

    Ballad

    A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.

    Golden Age

    A period of artistic flourishing, often referring to 1940s-60s Broadway or English Renaissance theatre. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.

    Golden Age Musical

    Broadway musicals from the 1940s–60s, known for integrating plot and song, such as *Oklahoma!* and *The Sound of Music*.

    Revival

    A new production of a previously performed play or musical, often reinterpreting its themes or updating its design.

    Torch Song

    A sentimental ballad about unrequited love, often featured in musicals or cabaret performances.

    Victorian

    Relating to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901), which influenced theatrical style, costume, and themes.

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Guide Written By:

Becca Ballenger

Becca Ballenger

Alyssa Yates

Alyssa Yates