CREATIVE TEAM

The team behind bringing the first community musical production to the stage this Autumn.

Thom Bailey   Director

Thom has worked extensively in both commercial and community theatre for over ten years. Over this time, he has worked on the London Stage, at the Edinburgh Fringe and in numerous regional tours, as well as directing three world premieres of new works. Thom has worked as a theatre manager at two separate theatres, for Arts Council East and has taught drama at numerous schools and youth theatres.

Directing credits include Pantomime at Beccles Public Hall and Theatre, ASB0! The Musical, Lorca’s Yerma, The Lady in the Van, the monologue series Queers, Disco Pigs, Ghost Stories for Christmas, Brief Encounter, Matilda, Chekhov’s Comedy Shorts, The Glass Menagerie, Sweeney Todd, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Winter’s Tale, Romeo and Juliet, Henry V, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Community Projects include theatre work for Out There Arts, The Alzheimer’s Society, InAura, the Theatre Royal Norwich Stage Two, the Wellbeing Service (NSFT) and MensCraft. 

Rachel King   Musical Director

Rachel studied at the ‘Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama’ in Cardiff for 5 years studying classical Violin and Piano and gained a B.Ed (Hons) degree. 

Rachel has worked as a Multi-Instrumentalist and Vocalist on Cruises ships, Hotels, Theatre Shows, Clubs and Holiday Parks all over the world travelling to China and New Zealand, Caribbean, Mediterranean and places in between.

In between travelling, Rachel has taught in schools all over the country and is now Head of Music at a local high school. 

She is heavily involved in local amateur projects particularly with the local schools and community. She has worked as Musical Director on ‘School of Rock, ‘Our House’, ‘Bugsy Malone’ to name a few.

Darcie Fiske  Choreographer

Darcie is trained in a range of dance styles, as well as appearing in countless shows in the area.  Darcie decided a career in choreography was for her after establishing her own dance class whilst still at school. Darcie progressed to studying dance at Sixth Form where she developed her talent and explored her own creative abilities. 

Darcie has choreographed productions of The School of Rock and a version of The Greatest Showman. She has choreographed and appeared in Here Comes the Sun and the Madness musical Our House at St George’s Theatre, Great Yarmouth.

Darcie continues to run her own dance classes and is excited to be choreographing this production of Oliver!

ROLES IN THE SHOW

Oliver Twist

The titular character is an innocent but brave orphan who grows up in the Workhouse until he embarks on an adventure to London. When in London he becomes embroiled in a gang of Pick Pockets, but eventually discovers he isn’t just any orphan. 

Fagin

Made famous in the film by Ron Moody. This Wile old man has made a life from raising generation upon generation of pick pockets and criminals. A loveable rogue who is a crook to the core. His only true love in life is material.  

Bill Sykes

If there is a villain of the piece then Bill is it. A criminal whose name is feared all over London. Long term partner of the long-suffering Nancy and alumni of Fagin’s Gang. You can usually see his faithful dog Bullseye just before he appears. 

Artful Dodger

Fagin’s Golden Boy! A cheeky little charmer who is at the top of the pick pocketing game. He befriends and recruits Oliver to Fagin’s gang and is usually the dogsbody for Fagin, Bill, and Nancy. Complete with tailcoat and top hat he rules the roost. 

Nancy

Nancy is the heart of the show and offers warmth and kindness in a cold and harsh London. The long suffering and loyal partner of Bill Sykes and former gang member for Fagin does what is right in the end, even if it goes against her Bill’s will.  

Mr. Bumble

The pompous and bumbling Beadle of the Workhouse where Oliver was raised. Mr Bumble is full of snobbery and self-importance. He spends the whole show being irritated by Oliver but always trying to make a buck out of him.

Widow Corney

An opportunist who cannot see she is just as bad as the people she looks down on. A hypocrite who treats others with disdain but is shocked at the slightest criticism to her own awful behaviour. 

Mr. Sowerberry 

An alcoholic, thrifty and ghoulish Undertaker who has an idea for Oliver to lead funeral processions. He is hen pecked by his wife and treats Oliver appallingly. 

Mrs. Sowerberry

The bossy and demanding wife of Mr Sowerberry. Mrs Sowerberry doesn’t suffer fools gladly and is just as awful as her husband. 

Charlotte

Gormless and entitled daughter of the Mr and Mrs Soweberry. She has a soft spot for Noah and encourages his bullyish ways.

Noah Claypole

A bully who works at the Undertakers of Mr and Mrs Sowerberry. A horrible oik who shows off in front of others by bullying who he perceives as his inferiors. 

Mr. Brownlow

A mild mannered but dignified gentleman. Well spoken and monied and also the grandfather of a certain orphan. A melancholy is evident in him for a daughter he once lost. 

Old Sally

Old crone who’s dying wish is to pass on the truth and a certain locket which came with a beautiful baby boy many years ago.

Mrs. Bedwin

Mr Brownlow’s kind and helpful Housekeeper. Warm and motherly type who supports Mr Brownlow. 

Bet

Nancy’s companion. A young girl of London who Nancy has befriended. Possibly one of Fagin’s Gang in the past. Bet is well liked and is playful and warm with the boys in the gang. 

Dr. Grimwig

Comedic role, an ineffectual Doctor who likes the drink. 

Other Roles

Workhouse Orphans – appear in the opening only

Fagin’s Gang, also includes some named roles

Adult Company includes Londoners of all classes, Workhouse staff, pub dwellers, Persons of the court and so on. 

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