One of Charles Dickens’ best-loved novels has been recreated for a 21st century audience.

Oliver Twist has been given a hip-hop overhaul in the new musical, Unexpected Twist, inspired by children’s writer Michael Rosen.

The show will be at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Wednesday, March 8 to Saturday, March 11.

You can book tickets online here or call 01227 787787.

The musical mash-up of beatboxing and Medway’s own Charles Dickens is, as the show’s title suggests, an unexpected combination.

However, the production has been given the seal of approval by Olivier Award nominated director James Dacre and the Children’s Theatre Partnership, who are behind shows such as Animal Farm and the Jungle Book.

The new stage show is based upon the work of author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, who has penned more than 140 books.

Unexpected Twist follows Shona, a new girl at school who is struggling to fit in and recognises herself in Oliver Twist, the book her class is studying.

When she is given a new phone by a stranger, she starts to suspect there’s something unusual about the new boys she has met and questions where the gift came from.

The book, published in 2018, intertwines Shona’s story with excerpts from the 19th century novel to help introduce a new generation to the original Oliver Twist story.

Unexpected Twist has been adapted for the stage by BAFTA winner Roy Williams, with music from RnB star Yaya Bey and BAC Beatbox Academy’s Conrad Murray to help transport these Dickensian characters into the modern day.

Some lucky fans of the author will not only be able to see his work adapted for the stage, but will also get a chance to meet the man himself.

Michael will be visiting Sandwich Junior School on Wednesday, March 15 to read an excerpt from one of his books to the children, followed by a book signing session.