Character Descriptions
GENERAL NOTES
Below is a breakdown of the cast along with recommended stage ages. Many ensemble roles include featured lines and solo singing opportunities. Vocal ranges listed are approximate.
Stage Age: Refers to the age you appear to be on stage, not your actual age.
Please review each role carefully. All roles are open. We encourage performers of all backgrounds to audition for any role they identify with, regardless of type, gender, age, race, or ethnicity.
Accents: Oliver, Mr. Brownlow, Dr. Grimwig, and Mrs. Bedwin use a standard British (RP/Posh) accent. All other roles use a Cockney accent. Performers should be prepared to perform with one or both as required.
PRINCIPAL ROLES
Oliver Twist
An orphaned workhouse boy (ages 8–13). Bright, innocent, and hopeful. Requires a strong young actor with a smooth, boyish soprano voice. Appears in approximately 80% of the show; this role requires a significant rehearsal commitment.
Accent: British
Vocal Range: A3–F5
Tip: Must be able to convey genuine emotion and vulnerability.
Song: “Where Is Love?”
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjJDekSculo
Karaoke Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blr_UzwjAIk
Artful Dodger
A clever, streetwise youth (ages 13–18) and Fagin’s right-hand man. Energetic, charismatic, and quick-thinking.
Accent: Cockney
Vocal Range: A3–F5
Tip: Requires strong stage presence and natural charisma.
Song: “Consider Yourself”
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZxky51fxCg (singing begins at 2:00)
Karaoke Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6KNuRfm-rc
Fagin
Leader of a band of young thieves (ages 35–60s). Devious, sly, and manipulative, yet charming and highly personable. A strong actor with comedic instincts.
Accent: Cockney
Vocal Range: B3–F♭5
Tip: Must show layered character work—both comedic and calculating.
Song: “Reviewing the Situation”
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96rC4X_KWl4
Karaoke Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6gnWlulF5g
Nancy
A barmaid at the Three Cripples and former member of Fagin’s gang (ages 20–30s). Strong, emotionally complex, and longing for a better life. Requires a powerful singer with belt and solid acting/movement ability.
Accent: Cockney
Vocal Range: E3–B4
Tip: Requires strong emotional depth and acting ability.
Song: “As Long As He Needs Me (Reprise)”
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkXQqYa0wrw
Karaoke Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUt1QoucC6w
Bill Sikes
A dangerous and feared criminal (ages 25–40). Intense, volatile, and self-serving.
Accent: Cockney
Vocal Range: C♯3–C4
Tip: Must have a strong physical presence and intensity.
Song: “My Name”
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boH7hT7A_sk
Karaoke Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj4mensQqi0
Mr. Bumble
The pompous and corrupt master of the workhouse (ages 35–65). Larger-than-life personality with strong comedic presence.
Accent: Cockney
Vocal Range: C3–A4
Tip: Strong comedic timing and authority.
Song: “Boy for Sale”
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3OprVY8gu8
Karaoke Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTXpKxEe4As
Widow Corney
The sharp-tongued and equally corrupt mistress of the workhouse (ages 30–50).
Accent: Cockney
Vocal Range: C4–E5
Tip: Lean into humor and character work.
Song: “I Shall Scream”
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68RpJymb30k
Karaoke Link: https://youtube.com/watch?v=r5c-3vTwxOU
Bet
Nancy’s loyal friend (ages 13–25). Energetic, impressionable, and devoted to Nancy.
Accent: Cockney
Vocal Range: C4–C5
SUPPORTING ROLES
Mr. Sowerberry
An undertaker (ages 30–60). Slightly creepy, possibly alcoholic, and employs Oliver.
Accent: Cockney
Vocal Range: B♭3–F4
Song: “That’s Your Funeral”
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WH11JJtpec
Karaoke Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx54b2RxSyM
Mrs. Sowerberry
His practical, business-minded wife (ages 30–60).
Accent: Cockney
Vocal Range: C4–E5
Song: “That’s Your Funeral”
Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WH11JJtpec
Karaoke Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx54b2RxSyM
Noah Claypole
The undertaker’s apprentice (ages 18–25). A bully who feels threatened by Oliver.
Accent: Cockney
Charlotte
The Sowerberrys’ daughter (ages 16–21). Flirtatious and drawn to Noah.
Accent: Cockney
Mr. Brownlow
A kind, upper-class gentleman (ages 40–60).
Accent: British (not Cockney)
Dr. Grimwig
A blunt, opinionated doctor (ages 35–60).
Accent: British (not Cockney)
Mrs. Bedwin
Mr. Brownlow’s warm and caring housekeeper (ages 35–55).
Accent: British (not Cockney)
YOUTH ENSEMBLE ROLES
Workhouse Children / Fagin’s Gang (ages 8–18). High-energy performers with strong character work. All genders encouraged. We welcome performers with special skills such as acrobatics, tumbling, juggling, or dance.
FEATURED SOLOISTS
Rose Seller (Mezzo): D3–C5
Strawberry Seller (Soprano): E♭4–E♭5
Milkmaid (Soprano): E♭4–F5
Knife Grinder (Baritone): B♭3–C4
Long Song Seller (Tenor)
ADULT ENSEMBLE OPPORTUNITIES
Stage Age: 16+ Includes vendors, merchants, pub patrons, police, and townspeople. Singing and dancing roles with some featured lines. All voice types encouraged. Performers will portray a variety of roles including townspeople, vendors, and featured characters such as Old Sally, Old Lady, Chairman, and featured street vendors.