The first round of auditions are being held for local children wanting to star in a production of the musical classic ‘Oliver!’
The Starring Lincoln Theatre Company will be running the large-scale community project with the help of hundreds of local volunteers to produce the performance.
Charles Dickens’ ‘Oliver Twist’ was initially published in monthly instalments between February 1837 and April 1839.
It was first produced as a black and white film in 1948 and in 1960, Oliver! premiered in the West End at the New Theatre in London and ran for 2,618 performances. In 1968 Oliver! was remade in colour and won an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1969.
An unbroken voice is required of the actor wishing to play Oliver, the orphan who falls in with a group of child criminals masterminded by Fagin. His playing age is between 10-13.
Both boys and girls can audition for the role of the Artful Dodger, pickpocket and leader of the gang of child criminals. Their playing age can be between 13-16.
Auditions for the leading children’s roles of Oliver and the Artful Dodger launch this Wednesday evening in the Knights Theatre at Lincoln College on Monks Road.
A second round of auditions will take place on Monday evening, 12 November at the Cathedral Centre in Minster Yard.
Those auditioning for these two roles will be asked to sing a verse and a chorus of Oom Pah Pah.
Recalls will be held on Friday, 16 November in the nave of the cathedral.
Everyone is welcome to get involved and no audition is necessary unless you’d like to try for a featured role.
Director Ben Poole said on the Starring Lincoln Theatre website: “People need to know there are many different types of opportunities, there are no barriers to participation, whether you’re an actor, musician, technician, you want to help backstage or perhaps with marketing… whatever it might be, come and see us.”
Rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings in the Knights Theatre at Lincoln College on Monks Road.
For more information, go to the Starring Lincoln Theatre Company’s Facebook page and/or website.
For those wishing to audition on Monday, 12 November, book a slot using this Doodle Poll.