Dream casting: Cameron Mackintosh's Oliver! movie
According to the Mail, Cameron Mackintosh is in talks to make a new film adaptation of Lionel Bart’s musical Oliver!.
Apparently, Mackintosh has had his hands full trying to arrange the rights to produce the film, so we thought we'd give him a helping hand and suggest our Dream Cast for the film, you're welcome Cameron.
Oliver Twist: Redmand Rance
Rance is currently playing the title role in Billy Elliot and, having already played Oliver at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth in 2010, he could be a good choice for the lead. However, he may be slightly too old by the time filming comes round, as would a lot of experienced child actors, so we wouldn't be suprised if the title role in the film goes to an unknown.
The Artful Dodger: Daniel Huttlestone
The young actor made a pretty convincing audition as a cheeky cockney chap in Mackintosh's last stage to screen adaptation, playing Gavroche in the film adaptation of Les Miserables. He has also recently finished filming Into the Woods alongside Johnny Depp and Meryl Streep which is due for release later this year.
At 14 he may be slightly too old, but look at him, isn't he cute.
Fagin: Rowan Atkinson
In their review of Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the Telegraph said "Rowan Atkinson is both sinister and hilarious as Fagin, which is just as it should be, sings pretty well, and brings some deliciously deft comic touches to the role."
Plus, it's Mr Bean.
Nancy: Samantha Barks
Since coming third in the Lloyd Webber talent series I'd Do Anything, Barks has enjoyed success both on stage and on screen. On stage she appeared in the UK tour of Cabaret, she made her West End debut in Les Miserables and played Nancy in the UK and Ireland tour of Oliver!. We know Mackintosh is already a fan, having cast her in his film adaptation of Les Mis. This is probably the casting that we are most sure of.
Bill Sikes: Tom Hardy
Like, Atkinson and Barks, Hardy is no stranger to the role, having played the violent Sikes in the 2007 BBC miniseries. His film roles, especially as Bane in Dark Knight Rises have provided further proof that he is more than capable of playing the villain.
Also, every film needs a bit of eye candy!
Mr. Bumble: Timothy Spall
© Dan Wooller
One of the country's finest character actors would be our ideal casting for the mean old Mr Bumble. And whilst we are here, Mr Spall if you see this, please come back to the London stage soon, it's been too long!
Bullseye: Erm…..Pudsey?
Not quite the right breed for Bill Sikes canine sidekick, but it's the only stagey dog we can think of. Plus, he can do tricks and stuff, though not sure if that means Ashleigh would have to be Nancy.
What do you think? Who would you like to see in the roles?
