The Sunday Times Mirror - The boy who asked for more!

The long-awaited revival of the The Workshop Players, is finally here, with their latest production Oliver! by Lionel Bart, by arrangement with The Southbrook Group and Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, that will go on the boards at the Lionel Wendt from October 13-22.

Under the direction of its founder – the magician himself – Jerome L. De Silva, Oliver! is billed to enthrall audiences of all ages, (considering the cast of nearly 70 members itself, ranges from the age of 5 right up to 55). A revolving stage, intricate sets, breathtaking lighting and special effects are but mere trimmings to the solid performances on stage. Familiar faces include Manoj Singanayagam, Shanuki De Alwis, Mario De Soyza, Samantha and Sanith D.S. Wijeratne, Anushka Pereira, Dominic Keller, Ashan Dias, Prasad Pereira and many other young and not so young up coming stars, many of who will be making their debut on stage.

This musical, based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, first appeared in the West End in 1960. The play had a long run in London for more than 2,600 performances

from 1960 and was followed by successful revivals in 1967 and 1977. Bart was also awarded a Tony for Oliver! in 1963. Oliver! was also made into an Oscar-winning film, with its many catchy songs brilliantly synchronized choreography and gripping plot.

Bart is also arguably credited for composing the lyrics for Cliff Richard’s first number one hit record– “Living Doll”. The original London production of Oliver! opened in the New Theatre on June 30, 1960 and among its original cast were Ron Moody as Fagin, Georgia Brown as Nancy, and Barry Humphries who played a cameo role as the humorous undertaker. Then came Oliver!, one of the great musicals of all time, with songs like “As Long As He Needs Me,” “Consider Yourself,” “Food,” “Glorious Food” and “Gotta Pick A Pocket Or Two.” Remarkably, despite his huge success, Bart never learnt to read music.