The search for a Nancy may be over, the title role may already have been cast, but there is still a chance for young hopefuls to gain a part in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Oliver! at the Drury Lane later this year.
The production is holding open auditions in London to cast the part of young thief the Artful Dodger in the famous Lionel Bart musical, as well as ensemble roles in Fagin’s gang and the workhouse.
All auditionees must be male, under 5ft tall with an unbroken voice and no fixed braces. Strong singing, dancing and acting skills are essential. The role of the Artful Dodger requires a playing age of 12 to 14, while ensemble parts range from 8 to 14. All boys must be available to perform in the production from October 2008 to April 2009.
Auditions are to be held from 09:00 on 14 June at Mary Ward House, 5-7 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SN. Each boy will be asked to sing the famous song Consider Yourself, the lyrics of which can be downloaded from the production’s website, www.oliverthemusical.com
Those who are successful in the auditions will join a cast that includes Rowan Atkinson as Fagin and Jodie Prenger as Nancy, who won her role on Saturday 31 May in the final of BBC reality television programme I’d Do Anything. Also cast through the television competition were the three boys who will alternate in the role of Oliver – Gwion, 11, Laurence, also 11, and Harry, 12.
This production of Bart’s musical Oliver! is a revival of Sam Mendes’s 1994 production, with new direction by Rupert Goold. It opens at the Drury Lane on 14 January 2009 after previews from 12 December 2008.
For more information on the open auditions email jo.hawes@virgin.net
CB