Theatre

On 15^th February we had an opportunity to see in Poznań the performance presented by  TNT THEATRE BRITAIN

OLIVER TWIST

by Charles Dickens

adapted by Paul Stebbings and Phil Smith
original score by Thomas Johnson
directed by Paul Stebbings

Here is the short background of the story.

OLIVER TWIST has been described as the first modern novel. It is one of the few novels who’s characters have entered into modern myth- Fagin, Bill, Nancy and the Artful Dodger can claim to be some of the best known literary creations outside of Shakespeare. The enormous energy of these characters and the full bloodied portrait of the first modern urban nightmare, London, make the story not only exciting and dramatic, but also truly contemporary.

The themes and social issues raised by Dickens are as relevant today as when it was first published over one hundred and fifty years ago. How do we treat the weak, especially child criminals? And is there a link between crime and poverty? OLIVER TWIST was the first novel to have a child as its hero. Dickens’ style is highly theatrical, and indeed he himself gave dramatic readings of much of OLIVER TWIST to huge audiences in Britain and the USA. Dickens’ style switches between the almost documentary to the comic, from action packed narrative to emotional drama.

TNT sweep away the sentimentality of so many versions and present the story through the eyes of Fagin as he stands on the gallows. The story is his last attempt at justifying his life of crime. Is he a criminal or a victim? Does he care for his boy thieves or does he exploit them?

In addition to powerful drama, there is plenty of comedy and fast moving action that switches from thriller, to love story to murder most foul. The production has been highly praised for it’s a capella score by the composer Thomas Johnson, whose composing credits include the West End and Royal National theatre. The action is developed through stunning five part harmony singing.

TNT’s production of OLIVER TWIST is being revived constantly since its premier in 1994. It is TNT/ADG’s most performed play. The production has only ever received positive reviews and thrilled a wide range of audiences on three continents. OLIVER TWIST was TNT’s “break through” production in China, and had a huge impact on its nationwide tour in 2006 and resulted in TNT becoming the number one touring theatre in China.

M.S.