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St. Augustine's Musical Theatre Company

The UK Midlands' Award Winning Premier Local Theatre Company - Entertaining for 50 Years - 1974 to 2024

2024 Production - Oliver!
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Oliver! will be staged from 12 to 17 November 2024 at Artrix Theatre, Bromsgrove
Oliver! - Book Your Tickets Now!
OLIVER! is the classic stage musical with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart and based on the 1838 novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.  The show premiered on London’s West End in 1960 where it had a record-breaking run and has since enjoyed many revivals in the UK and around the world. It was also made into a multi-oscar winning film in 1968 starring Ron Moody, Mark Lester, Oliver Reed and Shani Wallis.

With many fabulous well-known songs such as Consider Yourself, Where is Love?, Oom-Pah-Pah, I’d Do Anything, Be Back Soon, Food Glorious Food, As Long as He Needs Me, and many more, Oliver! is a wonderful show for all the family and a brilliant night out at the theatre!

St. Augustine’s MTC’s production will be staged at Artrix Theatre, Bromsgrove and runs from 10 to 17 November 2024.

Book your tickets now online at
Artrix Theatre's website!

Please Note: If you are booking for a performance to see a particular Oliver Twist, Artful Dodger or Charley Bates, see the casting announcement below for details of when each child is performing.


Oliver! - Principal Cast Annoucements
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OLIVER TWIST: WILLIAM / OISÍN

We are delighted to introduce you to our Olivers!

William trains at Spotlight Stage School and loves performing. Professionally he has performed as Cute Joseph in
Nativity! The Musical at Birmingham Rep and locally as Young Charlie in Kinky Boots with Solihull on Stage, as well as various shows with SMASH and several dance shows. Oliver! is William’s first show with STAGS and we can’t wait to see him bring Oliver to life!

William is performing on Tuesday 12th, Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th November at 7.30pm and Sunday 17th November at 1pm.

Oisín played Pip in Babes in the Wood and was in Boy George’s production of Peter Pan at Christmas. He loves playing football, his team is Coldlands Colts. When he is not playing football or acting, he loves nothing more than watching his favourite football team, Aston Villa. This is Oisín’s first production with STAGS and we are delighted to have him!
Oisín is performing on Wednesday 13th, Friday 15th, Saturday 16th November at 2.30pm and Sunday 17th at 6pm.
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ARTFUL DODGER: TOBIAS / BILLY

Please meet our Artful Dodgers!

Tobias has performed in two shows with a local drama group SOSage. He was Bronx Charlie in Bugsy Malone and The Munchkin Mayor in The Wizard of Oz. Tobias loves playing squash and going skateboarding in his spare time.

Tobias is performing on Tuesday 12th, Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th November at 7.30pm and Sunday 17th November at 1pm.


Billy’s Dance pathway started aged 4 when he began Gymnastics and branched into Dance at age 5 at Dazzlers Dance and Gymnastics Group. This is Billy’s first show with STAGS and he looks forward to bringing his cheeky side into the Artful Dodgers character!

Billy is performing on Wednesday 13th, Friday 15th, Saturday 16th November at 2.30pm and Sunday 17th November at 6pm.
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FAGIN: MATT BARNARD

We are delighted to announced that Matt Barnard will be playing Fagin!

Matt recently trod the boards (on his knees) as Lord Farquaad in last year’s production of Shrek the Musical. As well as the little man, he has plenty of experience playing morally ambiguous characters in local productions, from the Mad Hatter in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to the evil Abanazar in Aladdin the panto, a Jet in West Side Story to a Tory MP in Whipping it Up!

Fagin is a bit of a dream role so he’s dusted off his fingerless gloves, reviewed the situation and can’t wait to pick a pocket or two……
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NANCY: SIOBHON THORNLEY

We are excited to introduce you to Siobhon Thornley who will be playing Nancy.

Siobhon played Dragon & Mama Bear in last year’s production of Shrek The Musical. She has also played Trish in Kinky Boots, Fairy Godmother in Sleeping Beauty, Dandini in Cinderella, Scaramouche in We Will Rock You, Mona in Chicago and Disciple in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Siobhon previously sang in an 80s duo called 'The Cassettes' and has appeared as several Disney Princesses including Anna from
Frozen and Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
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BILL SIKES: DEAN WILSON

We are so pleased to have Dean Wilson back with us, playing Bill Sikes.

Dean has performed in several local musical productions in the last few years and he is excited to now be returning to STAGS, the first musical theatre company with whom he ever performed. His past performances include 9 to 5, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, STC’s production of Sister Act as the dim witted gangster TJ., and most recently in Sunshine on Leith as the Busker.

Dean can't can’t wait to get started on rehearsals for
Oliver!
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BET: EMILY SIMPSON

Emily has been performing from a young age and has appeared in productions of Peter Pan, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and played the role of Pepper in Annie.

Emily joined Stags MTC for our 2022 production of Kipps and was Teen Fiona in our production of Shrek the Musical last year. She has also appeared in The Addams Family and Grease at The Beck Theatre in Hayes.

Emily has been part of Stagecoach Solihull for over 10 years, attends SOTE Stage School in Birmingham and is a member of TWDA Performing Arts in Solihull, the excellent dance school run by our Choreographer Sharyn Whiteman. Well done Emily!
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MR. BUMBLE: JAKE GENDERS

We are delighted that Jake Genders has been cast as Mr. Bumble.

Jake played Shrek in our production of Shrek the Musical last year. He has appeared in numerous shows in the local area including the Emcee in Cabaret, Tobias in Sweeney Todd, Boris in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Chitterlow in Half a Sixpence.

Jake is thrilled to return for another show with STAGS and is excited to be part of such a talented company!
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WIDOW CORNEY: ROSIE HARVEY

Rosie joined STAGS as Ann in our production of Kipps in 2022, and last year played The Wicked Witch in Shrek the Musical as well as a selection of other fairytale creatures!

Prior to joining STAGS, she has previously performed in a range of roles including Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Jasmine in Aladdin, Urlene in Footloose and The Ghost of Christmas Past/Lamplighter in A Christmas Carol. Additionally she has also featured in the ensemble in various productions such as Miracle on 34th Street, My Fair Lady, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Rent and Company.

Her involvement in theatre has seen her previously perform in a number of professional venues including Her Majesty’s Theatre, The Barbican, The Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
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MR. SOWERBERRY: HARVEY GRANT

Welcome to Harvey Grant who is playing the role of Mr. Sowerberry.

Harvey performed as a multitude of characters in last years Shrek the Musical! But the one you may remember most was the 'Big Bad Wolf', strutting his stuff in red heels for in the song 'Freak Flag'.

Harvey has also performed in previous local productions such as Pepe in
West Side Story, the Genie in Aladdin, Port in Dick Whittington. Harvey says he is “learning” to play the piano, so far he has learnt “how NOT to play Three Blind Mice”.
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MRS. SOWERBERRY: JENNI TOMKINSON

Jenni last performed in Oliver! 10 years ago playing the part of Charlotte. She joined STAGS last year for Shrek the Musical, dancing and singing in the ensemble.

She has performed in many musicals,
Kinky Boots, 9 to 5, Top Hat, Fame, My Fair Lady, as well as choreography for Annie and The Addams Family. Jenni also sings with North Solihull Singers.
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CHARLEY BATES: OWEN / HERMIONE

We are really excited to introduce our Charley Bates, played by Owen and Hermione.

Owen loves performing on stage and has had the pleasure of working with the fabulous STC group on Priscilla Queen of the Desert where he played Benji, Bugsy Malone and in The Wizard of Oz with Sosage in 2023. Not forgetting his absolute favourite role so far as Young Shrek in Shrek the Musical with STAGS last year. He is really excited to play Charley Bates in Oliver! and can’t wait to be back on stage at Artrix in Bromsgrove.

Owen is performing on Tuesday 12th, Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th November at 7.30pm and Sunday 17th November at 1pm.


Hermione has attended Stagecoach Solihull for 7 years appearing in many performances. Earlier this year she was in the ensemble for her school production of Oliver!, so is thoroughly looking forward to playing the part of Charley Bates in this much larger production. She loves pop music, singing and dancing, and playing with her rabbits.

Hermione is performing on Wednesday 13th, Friday 15th, Saturday 16th November at 2.30pm and Sunday 17th November at 6pm.
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MR. BROWNLOW: NICK SALTER

We are delighted that Mr Brownlow will be played by Nick Salter.

Nick has been in a plethora of STAGS productions. Following his excellent performances as the blustery Chitterlow in
Kipps in 2022 and the cranky Franz Liebkind in The Producers in 2019, Nick will be portraying a more serene persona in his role as Mr. Brownlow.
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MRS. BEDWIN: ALISON TUMBER


Alison loves working with children and animals and therefore "considers herself" blessed to be cast as the kindly housekeeper Mrs Bedwin in Oliver!

She played Frau Schmidt, housekeeper to the Von Trapp family in The Sound of Music and has had a variety of character roles with STAGS, including Sister Teresa in Sister Act, Grandma Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, Prison Matron in Hairspray and most recently the Ugly Duckling in Shrek the Musical.

Alison is not much of a housekeeper in real life but loves to cook and will be providing the cast and crew with baked goods throughout the creative process!
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MATRON: GILL SALTER


The Matron will be played by Gill Salter.

Gill has been involved with STAGS for over 30 years, both on and off stage. She is looking forward to performing in Oliver! again.
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OLD SALLY: JAN KITCHEN


Jan Kitchen has been cast in the role of Old Sally.

Jan has been with us for 14 Years and played many cameo roles as well as assisting with the costumes as Wardrobe Mistress.
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CHAIRMAN: DAN HANCOX


Dan Hancox will be performing in Oliver! as The Chairman.

This is Dan’s first role with STAGS. He is looking to get back to performing again. Singing, acting and dancing has always been a passion for Dan. He does a mean impression of Jack sparrow and Edna Mode!
Rehearsals - Important Information
Rehearsals are held at Widney Junior School, Clifton Crescent, Solihull, B91 3LQ. 

Rehearsals take place on WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY evenings at 7.30pm at Widney Junior School.  Please note that if you have a role in this production, other than unavoidable work commitments, illness and holidays (we ask that you don't book holidays in October/November on the run up to the show), you are expected as a priority to make yourself available on Wednesday and Thursday evenings for rehearsals. 

Availability for rehearsals is a key factor and you will be required to notify us of any known unavailability for Wednesday and Thursday rehearsals. While it is understood that people’s busy lives may result in certain unavailability developing after we start work on the show, you are required to promptly notify the Production Team of any changes in your availability. Prolonged or regular absence may result in your role being re-cast.

If you cannot attend a rehearsal, contact Veronica Walsh on 0121 705 3914 / 07932 010453 initially and thereafter Sharyn Hastings or Michelle King.  Please contact the production team directly and preferably in advance of a rehearsal, so that any disruption to a planned rehearsal can be avoided.  Do not send absence messages via another cast member or other third party!

There will also be two orchestra rehearsals. Venues to be confirmed.
Oliver! - Synopsis
Act One

The musical opens in the workhouse, as the half-starved orphan boys are entering the enormous dining hall for supper. They are fed only gruel, but find some solace by imagining a richer menu (Food Glorious Food). Oliver gathers up the courage to ask for more, and is immediately apprehended by parish beadle Mr. Bumble and the Widow Corney, the heartless and greedy caretakers of the workhouse (Oliver!). Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney are left alone, and Mr. Bumble begins to make amorous advances ("I Shall Scream!"). Mrs. Corney pretends to resent his attentions, but ends up on Mr. Bumble's lap, as he eventually proposes to her. Mr. Bumble then takes Oliver and sells him as an apprentice to an undertaker,Mr. Sowerberry (Boy for Sale). Mr. Sowerberry and his wife taunt Oliver and Mr. Bumble (That's Your Funeral), causing Mr. Bumble to become angry and storm out. Oliver is sent to sleep in the basement with the coffins (Where is Love?).

The next morning, Noah Claypole, another employee of Mr. Sowerberry, insults Oliver's dead mother, whereupon Oliver begins pummelling him. Mrs. Sowerberry and her daughter, Charlotte, who is also Noah's girlfriend, run in. The three lock Oliver inside a coffin, and Mr. Bumble is sent for. The entrance of an intoxicated Mr. Sowerberry doesn't aid matters, and during all the commotion Oliver escapes. After a week on the run, he ends up in the city of London and meets a boy about his age known as the Artful Dodger. Dodger seems a kindly boy, and welcomes Oliver to join him and his friends (Consider Yourself). Dodger is, unknown to Oliver, a pickpocket, and invites Oliver to come and live in Fagin's lair. Fagin is a veteran criminal "fence" who sends out young boys as pickpockets. Oliver is completely unaware of any criminality and believes that the boys make handkerchiefs rather than steal them. Oliver is introduced to Fagin and his boys and taught their ways (You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two).

The next day, Oliver meets Nancy, an older member of Fagin's gang and the girlfriend of Fagin's terrifying associate Bill Sikes, a brutal house-burglar whose abuse she endures because she loves him. Nancy, along with her good friend Bet and the boys sing about how they mostly like their unconventional if dangerous lifestyle (It's a Fine Life). Oliver bows deeply to Nancy and Bet, trying to be polite. All the boys laugh and mimic Oliver. Nancy singles out Dodger to demonstrate the way the rich people treat each other ("I'd Do Anything"). Nancy and Bet leave, and Oliver is sent out with the other boys on his first pickpocketing job (Be Back Soon). Fagin tells Oliver to go with Dodger and another boy named Charley Bates, but when Dodger and Charley steal a handkerchief from Mr. Brownlow, a wealthy old man, they run off, leaving the horrified Oliver to be arrested for the crime (The Robbery).



Act Two

In the Three Cripples pub, at the request of boisterous customers, Nancy strikes up an old tavern song with the low-life ruffians, (Oom-Pah-Pah). Bill Sikes makes his first appearance and disperses the crowd (My Name). Dodger runs in and tells Fagin about Oliver's capture and removal to the Brownlow household. Worried that Oliver will "blow upon them" (i.e. betray the gang to the authorities), Fagin and Bill decide to abduct Oliver and bring him back to the den, with Nancy's help. Nancy, who has come to care for Oliver, at first refuses to help, but Bill physically abuses her and forces her into obedience. In spite of this, Nancy still loves Bill and believes he loves her too (As Long as He Needs Me).

The next morning, at Mr. Brownlow's house in Bloomsbury, Mrs. Bedwin, the housekeeper, sings to Oliver (Where Is Love? [Reprise]), and Oliver wakes up as street-sellers begin their day's work outside (Who Will Buy?). Mr. Brownlow and Dr. Grimwig decide that Oliver is well enough to go outside, so Brownlow sends Oliver to return some books to the bookseller. Oliver sees a group of street vendors and joins them in song (Who Will Buy? [Reprise]). As the vendors leave, Nancy and Bill appear and grab Oliver. They bring him back to Fagin's den, where Nancy saves Oliver from a beating from Sikes after the boy tries to flee. Nancy remorsefully reviews their dreadful life, but Bill maintains that any living is better than none while Fagin tries to smooth things over (It's A Fine Life [Reprise]). Left alone, Fagin ponders his current existence and possible life changes (Reviewing the Situation); however, after thinking of various excuses, he elects to stay just as he is.

Back at the workhouse, Mr. Bumble and the Widow Corney, now unhappily married, are told by the dying pauper Old Sally that Oliver's mother, Agnes, left a gold locket when she died in childbirth. Old Sally had stolen the locket, which she gives to the Widow Corney before she dies. Mr. and Mrs. Bumble realise that Oliver may have wealthy relatives (Oliver! [Reprise]) and visit Mr. Brownlow (who has advertised for news of Oliver), hoping to profit from any reward given for information . Mr. Brownlow realises they are not interested in Oliver's welfare but only money and throws them out. Recognising the picture inside the locket as a picture of his daughter, he realises that Oliver is actually his grandson.

Nancy visits Mr. Brownlow, explains how she and Bill abducted Oliver, and remorsefully promises to deliver Oliver to him safely that night on London Bridge but refuses to give up her fellow gang members. She ponders again about Bill (As Long as He Needs Me [Reprise]). Suspecting Nancy, Bill follows her as she sneaks Oliver out of Fagin's den. At London Bridge, he confronts them and viciously clubs Nancy to death. He then grabs Oliver and runs off. Mr. Brownlow arrives and discovers Nancy's body. A large crowd forms, among them the distraught Bet. Bullseye, Bill's terrier, turns on his master and returns to the scene of the crime, and the crowd prepares to follow him. After Sikes brings Oliver to Fagin's hideout looking for aid, Fagin and his boys flee in panic. The constables break in, and Dodger is arrested before he can escape. Not finding Bill at the hideout, the crowd returns to the Thames Embankment. Bill appears at the top of the bridge, holding Oliver as hostage and threatening to kill him. When a memory of the dead Nancy freezes Sikes, two policemen sneak up on him, and one of them shoots Bill while the other grabs Oliver. After Oliver is reunited with Mr. Brownlow, the mob disperses. Fagin appears and decides that the time has never looked better for him to straighten out his life (Reviewing the Situation [Reprise]).
Oliver! - Flyer Front
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Oliver! - Flyer Back (Ticket Booking Form)
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Tickets for Oliver! are now available!