As an NSTA representative, I had the pleasure of attending Edgeborough Prep School’s spirited production of Oliver Jr, performed with warmth, gusto, and a wonderful sense of community pride on Thursday 12th March 2026. Under the thoughtful direction of the creative team (led by Director Stephen Dachtler, with Musical Direction by Holly Cowan and Choreography by Jo Hendriksen) this well-loved musical brought the streets of Victorian London vividly to life. The production showcased the enthusiasm, teamwork, and developing talent of Edgeborough’s young performers throughout.
Oliver Jr is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s 1838 novel Oliver Twist, specifically adapted for younger performers. The original musical was written by Lionel Bart and premiered in London’s West End in 1960, becoming an instant hit thanks to songs such as “Consider Yourself”, “Food, Glorious Food”, and “Where Is Love?”. It transferred to Broadway in 1963, earning widespread acclaim and winning three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score. Since then, Oliver Jr has become a staple of school theatre, celebrated for its large cast, iconic roles, and its unique blend of drama, charm, and catchy musical numbers.
From the opening chorus of “Food, Glorious Food”, it was clear that the ensemble were fully committed to their roles. The staging was simple yet effective, with clever use of space, levels, and movement helping to create a lively flow between scenes. The costumes provided a delightful splash of character and authenticity throughout, grounding the production in its Dickensian roots.
Leo gave a heartfelt and sincere performance in the title role of Oliver, confidently navigating the character’s innocence and hope. His clear singing voice and expressive manner made his journey both touching and believable.
From the moment the Artful Dodger took the stage, Harper’s high energy and cheeky confidence captivated the audience. Their charisma and comic timing made each scene sparkle, providing some of the show’s most enjoyable moments.
As Fagin, Luke demonstrated remarkable confidence and an instinct for stagecraft well beyond his years. Whether delivering lines with comic charm or singing with his rich, distinctive tone, Luke truly owned the stage whenever he appeared. His characterisation struck a fine balance between mischief and warmth, delighting the audience in every scene.
Equally impressive was Evelyn as Nancy, whose powerful voice filled the hall with emotion and intensity. Her vocal delivery was a highlight of the evening and clearly moved the audience in “As Long As He Needs Me”. Supporting her beautifully was Alice as Bet, whose natural stage presence and lively energy added warmth and authenticity to their scenes together. Opposite Evelyn, Elsie brought real presence to the challenging role of Bill Sikes, capturing the character’s intensity with confidence and command.
The supporting cast was also full of wonderful performances. Harry gave a kind and dignified portrayal of Mr Brownlow, offering a gentle contrast to the darker moments of the story. Meanwhile, John and Margot made a delightfully entertaining duo as Mr Bumble and Widow Corney; their comic timing and chemistry added a welcome touch of humour to the production.
The ensemble as a whole shone with commitment, each performer contributing to the lively atmosphere that defines a successful ensemble show. Numbers such as “Consider Yourself” and “Oom-Pah-Pah” were delivered with infectious joy, reflecting the hard work and rehearsal that went into this production. The dancers also brought polish and energy throughout, particularly shining in “Who Will Buy”, where their elegant movements and the soloists’ assured vocals combined to create one of the show’s standout moments.
Oliver Jr remains a wonderfully challenging musical for young performers, demanding both emotional realism and ensemble cohesion. Edgeborough’s cast embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, resulting in a performance brimming with camaraderie. Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and staff for delivering a heartfelt and entertaining evening of theatre that celebrated the best of what school productions can achieve. The audience certainly left thinking “Please, sir, I want some more!”
