The Children’s Theatre Partnership and Royal & Derngate, Northampton present
Michael Rosen’s
Unexpected Twist
An Oliver Twisted Tale
by Roy Williams
Music by Yaya Bey Conrad Murray
Directed by James Dacre
Designed by Frankie Bradshaw
Touring spring 2023
Unexpected Twist is the re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist, by one of the best-loved figures in the children’s book world, Michael Rosen. Combining two stories in one; Rosen’s story and the Dickens classic that inspired it. Two stories that twist together, unexpectedly!
Shona and her class are studying the book, Oliver Twist. She’s the new girl in school and is finding it hard to stay out of trouble – much like Oliver himself! When she’s given a new phone by a stranger, she begins to suspect there’s something unusual about the new boys she’s met.
Michel Rosen is the English children’s novelist, poet, and the author of 140 books. He served as Children’s Laureate from June 2007 to June 2009. He has been a TV presenter and a political columnist, and his books include Carrying the Elephant: A Memoir of Love and Loss and Uncle Billy Being Silly.
This thrilling production is brought to vivid life by The Children’s Theatre Partnership, whose shows have included Animal Farm, Holes and The Jungle Book. Directed by James Dacre (2020 Olivier Award nominated Our Lady of Kibeho), Rosen’s novel is adapted for the stage by BAFTA award winning playwright Roy Williams with original music by rising R&B star Yaya Bey and BAC Beatbox Academy’s Conrad Murray.
Suitable for 8+
Reviews
Coming soon
Cast
- Kate Donnachie
Desree - Alex Hardie
Gazz - Rosie Hilal
Ms Cavani - Drew Hylton
Shona - Nadine Rose Johnson
Rosie - Polly Lister
Nan/Lorraine - Alexander Lobo Moreno
Tino - James Meteyard
Pops - Liyah Summers
Rasheeda - Thomas Vernal
Dad
Creatives
- Michael Rosen
Written by - Roy Williams
Adapted by - Yaya Bey | Conrad Murray
Music by - James Dacre
Directed by - Frankie Bradshaw
Designed by - Sarah Bird CDG
Casting Director - Vicky Richardson
Casting Director - Children's Theatre Partnership
Producer - Royal & Derngate, Northampton
Producer

Unexpected Twist
Touring 2023