Oliver! Opps Open for Dodger & Fagin’s Gang???

Disappointed would-be Olivers from TV’s I’d Do Anything may have another chance to appear in Cameron Mackintosh’s forthcoming production of Oliver! (See News, 27 May 2008). Open auditions are being held this Saturday (14 June 2008) in London – from 9am at Mary Ward House, 5-7 Tavistock Place – to find the Artful Dodger and the other members of Fagin’s gang. Hopefuls should have “strong singing, dancing and acting skills”, with “no fixed braces”, “unbroken voices” with a height limitation of “five feet”. Those hoping to bag the part of the Artful Dodger require a playing age of “12-14”, although to get into Fagin’s gang you can look as young as eight.

The role of the Artful Dodger was famously played by Jack Wild in Carol Reed’s 1968 film version, winning him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. With significant solos in songs including “Consider Yourself”, “I’d Do Anything” and “It’s a Fine Life”, it’s no small undertaking.

In addition to Gwion Jones, Harry Stott and Laurence Jeffcoate, who will alternate in the title role, others so far confirmed for the cast are (See News, 2 Jun 2008): fellow I’d Do Anything contestant Jodie Prenger (as Nancy), Rowan Atkinson (Fagin), Burn Gorman (Bill Sikes), Julian Bleach (Mr Sowerberry) and Rosemary Leach (Mrs Bedwin). Oliver! opens on 14 January 2009 (previews from 12 December 2008) at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (See News, 26 Mar 2008).