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Synopsis:
Anyone who has read Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist will know that the Musical version, Oliver! written by Lionel Bart, shows a fair amount of artistic license. The story however, remains close to the novel, as it centres round the fortunes and misadventures of a young boy, orphaned at birth and brought up in the workhouse. One day, persuaded by the other starving children, he famously asks for 'more' gruel at mealtime and a decision is immediately made by Mr. Bumble, the Beadle, to sell him to the highest bidder, for his ingratitude.
After a short and unpleasant time as an undertaker's assistant, he runs away and heads for London. He meets a young, very streetwise 'toff' who introduces him to Fagin, a crafty old reprobate who lives off the ill gotten gains of a gang of young pickpockets. Sent out on his first job, the unwitting Oliver is soon arrested but is rescued by the victim, the kindly Mr Brownlow. On hearing of his apprehension, the murderous Bill Sykes, an associate of Fagin and former member of his gang of thieves, resolvs to get him back, in case his whereabouts is revealed. This is soon accomplished when Oliver, now almost restored to health, is sent out to return some books. He is dragged back to the thieves' den and threatened with all sorts of violence if he has told the authorities what he knows, despite the efforts of Nancy to protect him.
Meanwhile, Mr Brownlow has realised that Oliver may well be his grandson, and after a visit from Nancy, a plan is made to reswtore Oliver to his grandfather. The story moves rapidly to a dramatic and chilling finale, during which Sykes meets his end and Oliver can at last look forward to a happy future. |
