By arrangement with MusicScope and Stage musicals Limited of New York

St Albans Operatic Society (to become St Albans Musical Theatre ) presents

Music, Lyrics and Book by Lionel Bart Produced for the Broadway stage by David Marrick and Donald Albery

28th April to 2nd May 2015 Evenings at 7.30pm Wednesday & Saturday matinee at 2pm

saos.org.uk . Victorian London; a city unlike that which we now experience. Grimy buildings, sooty faces, poverty, overcrowding, the mean spirited face of capitalism, exploitation and drunkenness spilling onto the streets. OK, scratch that – maybe some things haven’t changed. However for the poor, and their children, it was a wretched place to live. Picture the scene. The boy, , born and raised in a workhouse, his mother having died during childbirth, with nothing to hope for, not even dreams to keep him warm in the night. Bullied and harassed by his peers and abandoned by his parents. A poster boy for the disenfranchised children of that era – surely he is destined to a life of servitude and misery? But with a ‘Twist’ of fate, and for daring to challenge his cruel lot, by asking for more food, Oliver escapes one dead end, an apprenticeship with an undertaker, and falls into another rotten situation - forced to rob from the innocent to line the pockets of the dastardly . In a story that echoes the shadowy past of Dickens himself, we follow Oliver on a perilous journey through London where he meets The Artful Dodger and falls in with a gang of thieves. He somehow escapes into the relative safety of the Brownlow residence, is then hounded by the menacing Bill Sykes and his downtrodden girlfriend Nancy, before falling back into the clutches of Fagin. Oliver is thrust into the centre of a plot to rob him of his identity and rightful inheritance. Will he survive, or will he fall victim to the twisted minds of those out to get him? In a world where friend and foe merge into the shady haze of London back streets, Oliver is sure to enthral. Phil Hancock We’ll leave you wanting more! Rob Milner – Director Hello Everyone. Welcome to St Albans Operatic Society’s production of Oliver! Rob’s last show as director for St Albans Operatic Society was the 2003 This is a musical based on the time old classic from . We have some amazing songs which production of Carousel and he’s delighted to be back. He has appeared on stage will leave you begging for ‘more’ and we hope you will ‘consider yourselves at home’ as you settle into in Jesus Christ Superstar as Pilate and The Hot Mikado as the Mikado. Rob’s your seats to enjoy the show! last show as a director was Jack the Ripper for Abbots Langley. Rob has been The last time we performed this musical, our current lady chairman played the part of Widow Corney; a a performer with SAOS for many years, having played Fred, Kiss Me Kate; thoroughly nasty piece of work! We are confident that the present Widow Corney will be equally as nasty Joe, Charlie Girl; the Pirate King, Broadway Pirates; Curly, Oklahoma, and but, along with the rest of the cast, will give an unforgettably exciting and memorable performance. We Dick Deadeye, HMS Pinafore. Rob has also been a regular performer with hope you will ‘review the situation’ favourably and continue to support us - for which we are very grateful. Abbots Langley G&S where he has played many lead roles, including Robin Oakapple in Ruddigore for which he received a nomination for Best Male As of July this year we will be changing our name from St Albans Operatic Performer at the International G&S festival. Society to St Albans Musical Theatre Company (SAMTC). We have done this to Rob’s favourite role that he has played was Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady. reflect the type of shows that our company is currently performing and to give a more modern look to what we do and who we are. So ‘as long as you need us’ we Outside of musical theatre, Rob indulges in a for sacred choral music. He set up and runs the will always be here for you. junior choir at St Michael’s church in St Albans – any budding choristers please make contact! Sit back and have a wonderful evening Jane Foufas Philip Joslin – Musical Director Chairman Following training at Trinity College of Music, London and a degree from Bristol University, Philip has conducted a wide variety of musical For everyone’s enjoyment styles including anything between classical works and modern We want you to enjoy the performance to the full so as a courtesy to musicals. He has appeared at the International Gilbert and Sullivan both audience and cast please switch off all mobile phones and electronic devices. Festival (when in Buxton) with Abbotts Langley G&S Society as The videotaping or audio recording of this performance is strictly prohibited. conductor and was nominated for best MD. He is also a guest Thank you for your co-operation. conductor with the Grim’s Dyke Opera Company. Philip works with many local societies. Recent MD credits include Yeomen of the Guard*, HONK!, Iolanthe*, Trial by Jury*, HMS Pinafore*, Princess Ida, The Mikado*, with ALGSS; , Guys & Dolls, The Sound of Music, The King and I, with SAOS; Oh What a Lovely War, Guys & Dolls, My Fair Lady, , The Pirates of Penzance* with Radlett Light Operatic Society; Sweeney Todd with PIT Productions; Me and My Girl with Cassio and Pippin with Panda Players. Directorial credits include the play ‘Sullivan and Gilbert’ and operetta ‘The Zoo’. Philip has also re-orchestrated, for smaller forces, seven of the G&S Operettas (including those asterisked above). These orchestrations have been and are used worldwide by numerous different companies. Philip is sometimes to be seen treading the boards, and, in a rare example of this, he will be playing the part of Horton the elephant in ALGSS’s production of Seussical the Musical this June. He would be delighted to see you in the audience as he will actually be facing that way! Philip will be returning next year to MD Fiddler on the Roof for SAOS.

Joyce Smith – Choreographer Joyce started dancing at an early age and completed her training at Arts Educational and the London College of Dance and Drama, where she spent several years teaching dance. Over the years she has choreographed and appeared in numerous productions including , Hair (amateur premiere), , Sweet Charity, Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar, and an award winning production of War of the Worlds, to name but a few. She is a member of St Albans Operatic Society, Harpenden Operatic Society, The Barn Theatre and The Hertfordshire Players, who perform at the Minack Open Air Theatre in Cornwall. Joyce hopes you enjoy our production of Oliver! as much as she has enjoyed working on it. Charlie Harden – Susan Akroyd – Mrs Sowerberry Charlie is delighted to be undertaking the Susan joined St Albans Operatic Society 13 years ago when she role of Mr Sowerberry in this production of played the part of Florence in Chess. Since then she has performed Oliver! Previous roles include Eugene in both as a principal and in the chorus, most recently as Hattie in Kiss Grease, Bert Healy in Annie, Rolf in The Me Kate and Baroness Elsa Shraeder in The Sound of Music. Other Sound of Music and Seymour in Little Shop roles with SAOS include Hebe, HMS Pinafore; Aldonza, Man of of Horrors. Charlie would like to dedicate La Mancha; the Beggar Woman, Sweeney Todd and Lady Thiang, his performance to the special little Oliver The King and I. Favourite roles with other societies are Ann, Half in his life, his nephew Ollie, and to his a Sixpence; Tzeitel, Fiddler on the Roof; Tessa, The Gondoliers; nephew William and niece Jessica. Mad Margaret, Ruddigore; Miss Adelaide, Guys and Dolls and Maria, The Sound of Music. When not treading the boards, Susan practices her nagging as a housewife and mother of five! Jamie Ross – Bill Sykes Jamie has previously appeared as the King in the SAOS Tony Bradburn – Mr Bumble production of The King and I in 2010. Jamie is thrilled to be Tony has been involved in musical theatre part of the society and enjoys sharing his skills with passionate since the age of eleven in various guises members. He loves working with people who want to develop including dancer, actor, singer and the society and see it continually grow for future generations. director. He has been a member of SAOS Jamie has no previous musical or acting training but feels the for five years and was last seen as the seasoned members of the society and directional team have Butler in Annie, so he has moved from worked hard to develop his role in the production. Jamie being nice to a cast of little girls to being would like to thank Rob Milner and Philip Joslin for putting horrible to a cast of little boys! their faith in him. “If you are looking for a wonderful hobby with a great bunch of people - join! You know my name…” Tony is also a long-term member of the Company of Ten at the Abbey Theatre in St Albans. Howard Salinger – Fagin Howard trained to be an actor for 5 years, in culminating some Debby Connor – Widow Corney gruelling training at Mountview. Following that training, he This is Debby’s fourth show with St Albans went out into the weird and wonderful world of professional Operatic Society and hopefully she is acting, where he was privileged enough to play a fascinating becoming a part of the furniture. She seems mixture of roles, including Humpty the Egg on a national to take great pleasure in playing grotesques, tour and a Neanderthal for Channel 4. After a while, he so playing the part of Widow Corney, Mr decided it might be more beneficial to ‘get a job’ and moved Bumble’s partner in crime, is a joy. Her into the world of travel, but that was when he discovered previous incarnations have been Domina, amateur theatre. He first performed with Hitchin Thespians in West Side Story and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Barnum, before joining OVO in St Albans to do some ‘straight’ theatre, performing in eight the Forum with Finchley and Friern Barnet productions, including five Shakespearean roles (which is really his first love!). In 2013, Operatic Society; Miss Hannigan, Annie Howard joined SAOS to play Benny Southstreet in Guys & Dolls, and this is his second with FFBOS; Sarah, Company with Completely Productions; production with us, after spending last year playing Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors Carlotta Campion, Follies with SAOS and Mama Noah, with Watford Operatic Society. Fagin is one of his dream roles, and he’s delighted to have Children of Eden with FFBOS. this amazing opportunity! Emma Stratton – Nancy Alexander van Weezel – Oliver Emma is delighted to be returning to St Albans after last Alexander is 11 years old and lives in Harpenden. This is his performing on this stage as Adelaide in Guys & Dolls in 2013. second musical theatre production; his first was playing Kurt in She must love this show, having been in it twice before as Bet Harpenden Light’s production of The Sound of Music in October and Nancy! Previous roles for SAOS include: Anna, The King 2013. Alexander was runner up for the NODA Award for the & I; Reno, Anything Goes; Maggie, 42nd Street and Anita, West under 14 Best Young Performer in his role as Kurt. Alexander Side Story. Other favourite parts include: Ida, HONK!; Cassie, A is a Chorister in a church choir and partakes in musical theatre Chorus Line; Lady Chiang, The King & I; Mama, Gypsy; Lucy, singing lessons. He also plays violin and piano - he has a great Snoopy; Emily, The Hired Man; Sally, Cabaret; Peggy, 42nd love for music! Alexander also loves sport including playing Street and many of the Gilbert & Sullivan mezzo roles. Emma is football for Harpenden Colts U11, the school football and a graduate of Mountview Academy, and has performed on the athletics team, skiing and tennis. In his spare time he enjoys playing professional stage, winning a couple of international awards. She made her directorial with his sister and their dog and also playing FIFA on the Xbox with his debut last summer and has also choreographed for a variety of local groups. For her dad. Alexander can’t wait to play Oliver and is very grateful to SAOS for day job(s) Emma works at a well-known studio tour, is a singing teacher, and a wife to casting him in the title role. He is delighted for this wonderful opportunity Russ and mum to 3 year old Phoebe. You will next catch Emma playing the bird with a and hopes you enjoy the show! one feathered tail, Gertrude, in ALGSS’s summer production Seussical the Musical.

Lewis Elliott – Artful Dodger Archie Stevens – Artful Dodger Lewis has always loved to perform and he has attended Archie, aged 12, is delighted to be playing the role of the Artful Stagecoach Watford since he was 4 years old. Lewis is really Dodger, having previously played Oliver with Harpenden Light excited about being cast as the Artful Dodger and feels the OS. He has enjoyed various roles in local productions since the age character is perfect for him. In 2012 Lewis played ‘Boy’ in of 6, including Chip in Beauty and the Beast, WOS; Kurt in The the Witches at The Abbey Theatre. Lewis has also had the Sound of Music, SAOS; and Louis in The King And I, HLOC. He opportunity to be in two short Vimeo films; We Play War in attends Sharpe Academy of Performing Arts where he recently 2013 and Not Now Bernard in 2014. Lewis had lots of fun in enjoyed playing the role of Scuttle in The Little Mermaid Jr. He the ensemble for both the Wedding Singer in 2014 and recently has performed in many other shows with them including , appeared in Joseph earlier this year at the Watford Colosseum. The Jungle Book and Aladdin. He is currently rehearsing for In addition to performing, Lewis is an avid Queen fan and enjoys watching West Side Story where he is playing one of the Jets, to be performed Dr Who and Miranda. Lewis would like to thank his Stagecoach teachers Katherine, at the Watford Palace theatre in July. Professionally Archie has played Gavroche in Sally, Amanda and Natalie for their ongoing help and advice. Finally Lewis thanks his Les Miserables in the West End and Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol UK tour. His TV friends and family for their support and always believing in him. credits include ITV’s Endeavour and Channel 4’s Gadget Man. He has had a great time rehearsing for Oliver and really hopes you enjoy the show! Thomas Wilkins – Oliver Thomas is 10 years old and really excited to play the part of Oliver. Thomas has been performing since he was 5 after attending Rewards Theatre School. Thomas has appeared in a range of shows, including the Prince in The King and I, to a Dwarf called Cupcake in Snow White! More recently he Tucker – Bullseye has worked with Channel 4 on Troy, with BT Sports and the NSPCC TV ad campaign. Thomas also had the honour of singing for the Knights of the Garter at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Outside of theatre, Thomas plays rugby and golf and also enjoys swimming, tap dancing and playing the oboe. Thomas wants to thank everyone who has helped support him through all the rehearsals, especially his Mum, Dad, and Pete! Act I Act II

Scene 1: The Workhouse Dining Hall Scene 1: The ‘Three Cripples’ Food, Glorious Food �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Oliver and Boys Oom-Pah-Pah ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Nancy and Ensemble Oliver ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Mr Bumble, Widow Corney My Name �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Bill Sykes ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������and Boys �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Nancy

Scene 2: The Workhouse Parlour Scene 2: The Brownlows’ I Shall Scream �����������������������������������������������������������������������Widow Corney and Mr Bumble Where is Love? Reprise ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Mrs Bedwin Boy for Sale �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Mr Bumble Who Will Buy? ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Oliver, Street Criers ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������and Ensemble Scene 3: The Undertaker’s Parlour That’s Your Funeral ��������������������������������������������������������Mr Sowerberry, Mrs Sowerberry Scene 3: The Thieves’ Kitchen ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������and Mr Bumble It’s a Fine Life Reprise ���������������������������������������������������������������������� Nancy, Bill Sykes, Fagin Where is Love? �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Oliver ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������and Artful Dodger Reviewing the Situation ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Fagin Scene 4: The Undertaker’s Shop Scene 4: The Workhouse Scene 5: Paddington Green Oliver Reprise ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Widow Corney Consider Yourself ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Artful Dodger, ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������and Mr Bumble ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Oliver and Ensemble Scene 5: The Brownlows’ Scene 6: The Thieves’ Kitchen As Long as He Needs Me Reprise ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Nancy Pick a Pocket or Two ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Fagin and Boys It’s a Fine Life ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Nancy, Bet and Boys Scene 6: London Bridge I’d Do Anything ����������������������������������������������������������������������Artful Dodger, Nancy, Oliver, Reviewing the Situation Reprise ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Fagin ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Bet, Fagin and Boys ���������������������������������������������������������������������������Fagin, Artful Dodger and Boys

There will be a 15 minute interval. Cast in order of appearance

Oliver...... Thomas Wilkins and Alexander van Weezel Mr Bumble...... Tony Bradburn Widow Corney...... Debby Connor Mr Sowerberry ...... Charlie Harden Mrs Sowerberry ...... Susan Akroyd Charlotte...... Sophie Turner Noah Claypole...... Zodiac Willoughby-O’Neill The Artful Dodger...... Lewis Elliott and Archie Stevens Fagin...... Howard Salinger Charley Bates...... Max Rowntree and Samuel Pesez Nancy...... Emma Stratton Bet...... Sarah Parkins Mr Brownlow...... George Edkins Bill Sykes...... Jamie Ross Mrs Bedwin...... Jackie Pulford Dr Grimwig...... Clive Webb Rose Seller...... Rachael Timberlake Milkmaid...... Sophie Turner Strawberry Seller...... Sam Keyte Knife Grinder...... Michael Readman Old Sally...... Jeanne Cavill Bullseye...... Tucker

Adult Ensemble: Andrea Adlam, Susan Akroyd, Graham Blundell, Jeanne Cavill, Matt Catchpole, Alex Cox, Peter Gentry, David Halshaw, Vicky Hargreaves, Charlie Harden ,Lesley Jorgensen, Sam Keyte, Suzanne Lambert, Charlotte Marshall, Shaun Phillips, Michael Readman, Carl Robinson, Hannah Robinson, Flo Rowntree, Kate Russell, Jessie Smith, Lynsey Thomaidis, Rachael Timberlake, Sophie Turner ,Brett Tyrrell, Carol van Zyl, Clive Webb, Lianne Weidmann, Zodiac Willoughby-O’Neill.

Team Apples: Performances on Wednesday 2:00pm, Thursday 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm. Alexander van Weezel as Oliver, Archie Stevens as The Artful Dodger, Archie Agnew, Alexis Awongua, Eoin Broderick, Tristan Finlay, Finn Geoghegan, James Gleeson, Lukas Johanson, Lucas Judd, Henry Mauldridge, Samuel Pesez, Robbie Pendle, Ben Pulford, Flynn Sweeney.

Team Pears: Performances on Tuesday 7:30pm, Wednesday 7:30pm, Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 2:00pm. Thomas Wilkins as Oliver, Lewis Elliott as The Artful Dodger, Henry Brown, Ilirian Bushi, Max Dolt, Dante Doros, Freddie Goldsmid, Alexander Hardy, Matthew Hargreaves, George Hawes, Maximilian Jackson, Eddie Kirby-Murray, Max Rowntree, Nigel Vincent, Harrison Whiting. Production Team Orchestra Conducted by Philip Joslin Directed and Staged by ...... Robert Milner Musical Director ...... Philip Joslin Laura Bookbinder...... Flute / Piccolo Choreographer...... Joyce Smith Rachel Broadbent Oboe / Cor Anglais Production Manager...... Di Martin ...... Stage Manager...... Chris Rook Rachel Craggs...... Clarinet / Bass Clarinet Deputy Stage Manager ...... Maggie Bradburn Graham Thomson Bassoon Stage Crew ...... Richard Kessel, Nick Shaw, Jon Hare, ...... Mel Adlam, Anya Boucher, Mike Smith, Terry Catchpole, Vivian Davies...... Horn ...... Dave Croom, Mark Wiggins, Colin Adlam, Charlotte Adlam Matt Quick Trombone Sound & Lighting supplied by ...... Seventh Wave ...... Set supplied by...... Proscenium James Pickford...... Percussion Costumes supplied by ...... Dress Circle Costumiers Stephen Fawbert Drums Wigs supplied by...... Janet Jomain ...... Lighting Operator...... Brian Carroll Gemma Dickinson...... Violin Follow Spot Operators...... Graeme Halls, Julian Wathen, Hannah Lewis Cello Wardrobe Co-ordinator ...... Jane Foufas ...... Wardrobe Mistress...... Rosemary O’Toole assisted by Janice Barry-Williams...... Bass ...... Lesley Duggan, Tricia O’Toole and friends and members of SAOS Karen Stocker Keyboards Make-up ...... Hannah Robinson and team ...... Props...... Hannah Lambden, Lesley Duggan, ...... Claire Stanley, Di Martin, Joyce Smith Dance Captain...... Rachael Timberlake Marketing & Publicity...... Jane Foufas, Howard Salinger, Looking for Puppy Training classes? ...... Jessie Smith, Shaun Phillips, Graham Blundell, Michael Readman Ticket Secretary...... Pam Kell Programme ...... Jessie Smith, Graham Blundell, Paragon Printing St Albans Dog Training and Services offer: Online Presence ...... Shaun Phillips Rehearsal Accompanists...... Malcolm Scott, Karen Stocker, • Puppy Parties (8 weeks – 16 weeks old) ...... Daniel Ephgrave, Emma Barry Front of House ...... Mary Myers , Eve Davies with members • Puppy Training classes ...... and friends of SAOS • Pre-puppy visits Photography ...... Martin Smith, Michael Readman Chaperones ...... Jayne Goldsmid, • Puppy 121 home visits ...... Jane Stevens, Sarah Wilkins, Catherine Geoghegan, Julie Elliott, • Positive, force free training methods ...... Clair Broderick, Conny Doros, Jennie Murray, Terry Hardy, ...... Jax Rooney, Ros Bushi, Paola van Weezel • Fully insured, accredited and highly recommended trainer Rehearsal and show refreshments...... Members and friends of SAOS Rehearsal Prompt ...... Rosemary O’Toole www.stalbansdogservices.co.uk • 07980 183 220 • 01727 851 217 Very grateful thanks to: St John Fisher Catholic Primary School and The Alban Arena. Also many thanks to Phil Hancock and Colette Wells [email protected] for their contributions to the programme