Actors of all ages have come together for Medway Little Theatre’s latest production, Jeremy Brock’s adaptation of Oliver Twist.

For director Maggie Coleman staging the production, which opened on Thursday, has been a huge challenge.

She said: “With 58 characters played by 26 actors, with an age range of eight to 80, acting out 26 scenes, it was never going to be a walk in the park.

“Medway Little Theatre’s youth and adult groups have combined to present one of Dickens’ most famous stories.

“We hope that our audience will have enjoyed the play so much that as they leave they ask, ‘Please sir, can I have some more?”

Oliver Twist, or The Parish Boy’s Progress, was Dickens’ second novel and was first published in 1837. The story is of the orphan Oliver Twist, who begins his life in a workhouse and is then sold into apprenticeship with an undertaker.

He escapes from there and travels to London where he meets The Artful Dodger, a member of a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by the elderly criminal Fagin. And that’s where the fun begins.

The title role is played by children’s workshop member, Matthew Brown, accompanied by Rosie Stannard (Nancy), Elliott Odom (Artful Dodger), Chris Loft (Fagin) and Del de Lorme (Bill Sikes).

They are joined by Daniel Abrahams, Noeleen Beedle, Kelly-Marie Beeney, Allister Kay, Frank Linton, Nan Moran, Andrew Procktor, Carol Scott, Elaine Thomas, Paul Tomkies and assistant director, Joan Williams from the adult group, and Lana Ballantyne, Ned Bruce, Jake Christie, Maisy Crunden, Elsie Hehir, Iris Hehir, Lauren Hunt, Eleanor Kitto, Huw MacDonald and Phoenix Pope from the children’s and youth groups, who play various, and in many cases, multiple roles.

The play can be seen at the Rochester High Street theatre until Saturday, December 10.
To book, visit the website www.mlt.org.uk, or call the box office on 01634 400322.

Review by Sheila Mars

Tonight’s performance of Oliver Twist was by far my favourite at Medway Little Theatre. It was very entertaining, all ages would love it. All of the actors were outstanding, playing multiple parts

This adaptation has a roller coaster ride of emotions through birth, death, poverty, friendship and a happy ending. I would happily go to see this play again and look forward to the next production.