Unexpected Twist, a production which brings the iconic story of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens into a new light, will tour the UK to inspire young people with the magic of live theatre.
Full touring dates have been revealed for the show, co-produced by Royal & Derngate, Northampton and the Children’s Theatre Partnership (CTP) - established in 2010 to tour bold, ambitious and imaginative theatre for young people and schools.
Originally written by children’s author Michael Rosen, Unexpected Twist is described as a thrilling new production which combines two stories in one; a new tale alongside the Dickens classic that inspired it.
The tour includes stops in Kingston (15th - 19th March), Norwich (28th March - 1st April), Blackpool (23rd - 27th March) and Leicester (6th - 10th June). More venues are to be announced soon.
Michael Rosen said: “I have always been a huge lover of theatre and the dramatic arts. I believe in the power and value of live performance and rate it as an equal to all the other literary activities.
“I can’t describe what a thrill it is for me to know Unexpected Twist is going to be a play. I’ve already seen a draft script and it leapt off the page.
“I could immediately ‘see’ it as being a funny, tough, edgy, contemporary, powerful show. I am desperate to see it.”
Kate Donnachie will star as Desree, Alex Hardie as Gazz, Rosie Hilal as Miss Cavani, Drew Hylton as Shona and Nadine Rose Johnson as Rosie.
The rest of the cast is made up by Polly Lister as Nan/Lorraine, Alexander Lobo Moreno as Tino, James Meteyard as Pops, Liyah Summers as Rasheda, and Thomas Vernal as Dad.
About the Children’s Theatre Partnership
The aim of the partnership is to excite and engage new and diverse audiences, often introducing them to the theatre for the first time, bringing young people to their local theatres, inspiring a life-long love of theatre and supporting the UK’s artists.
CTP has produced and toured five shows and brought two to the West End since its creation in 2010, while also developing a network of supportive venues, reaching over 500,000 people.
Previous CTP productions include Animal Farm, Goodnight Mr Tom which enjoyed a West End season and three UK tours, plus The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.
School rates are venue specific, with more information and full touring dates available at www.unexpectedtwistonstage.co.uk.
