From January 25, 2012, Manchester’s Palace Theatre will host Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Lionel Bart’s hit musical Oliver! starring Neil Morrissey, Iain Fletcher and Samantha Barks.
Oliver! recently completed a twoyear run at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, where it opened to the biggest advance sales of all time for a West End show.
The musical celebrated its 50th birthday in 2010 and is based on the classic novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. It depicts the life of an orphan who finds his way into London’s criminal world.
It is known for its host of familiar songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah and As Long As He Needs Me.
Neil Morrissey, who is recognised for his role in Men Behaving Badly and as the voice of Bob the Builder, will be playing the role of Fagin.
Iain Fletcher plays Bill Sikes and is best known for his nine-year role as DC Rodney Skase in the The Bill. He has also appeared in Casualty, Doctors and Family Affairs. Previous theatre performances include the part of king in The Three Musketeers, and Sam in Mamma Mia! in the West End.
Nancy will be played by Samantha Barks, who finished third in the BBC television competition to find a new Nancy – I’d Do Anything – in 2008. She has also played Aladdin at the Theatre Royal Windsor, and last year made her West End debut as Eponine in Les Misérables.
The production will run until March 10, and tickets are available now.
Groups of 10 or more can get discounts by signing up on the Palace Theatre’s website.
For more information on group bookings, visit: www.manchesterpalace.org.uk/