Step into the heart of Victorian London as the Braeburn Players bring to life Lionel Bart’s timeless musical, Oliver!, at Braeburn Theatre, Gitanga Road this weekend and next. This captivating production promises an evening filled with memorable melodies, dynamic performances, and a poignant tale of a boy’s hope and resilience.

Afiya Finn & Robbie Riddell (both Oliver)

A Journey Through Dickensian London

Based on Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel Oliver Twist, the musical Oliver! follows the story of innocent, young Oliver Twist, an orphan who we meet while he is suffering the hardships of a Victorian workhouse – famously asking for more food…. The mean Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, who preside over the workhouse sell poor Oliver to an undertaker as an apprentice. 

Robbie Riddell (Oliver), Richard Hooper (Fagin) and Darya Burgess (Artful Dodger)

Oliver manages to escape only to find himself alone on the rough streets of Victorian London. There he is tricked into joining a band of child pickpockets by their top boy the Artful Dodger, who pretends friendship to lure Oliver in. A wily old character called Fagin leads the gang in their criminal antics. 

As Oliver seeks familial love, belonging and livelihood, he becomes entwined with a host of characters—from the kind-hearted Nancy and her best friend Bet to the menacing Bill Sykes—each adding their own calamities to the plot. 

The story is set against the backdrop of the poorer streets of London, populated by not only pickpockets but other low-life and ruffians, each out for their own good, navigating the challenges of 19th-century London. 

Chris Childs (Sikes) and Milla Ternois (Nancy) – Jazz Moll (Fagin)

Although a seemingly grim plot, the musical is leavened by upbeat musical numbers such as “Food Glorious Food”, “Who Will Buy” and “Consider Yourself”. The large student ensemble along with the principal cast fill the stage with Broadway-style ensemble routines choreographed by Tirath Singh, Kenyan-Indian performer & dancer with numerous performances under his belt. The dance numbers include synchronized group movements, clever use of props, and dynamic shifts in formation to mirror the lively London streets. 

The musical performances are held together by the mastery of Music Director Riki Gathariki, a dynamic and versatile performing artist who has previously demonstrated his nuanced musical skills writing and directing two musicals, as well as performing in many showstoppers. 

The performances have been “double cast”, meaning that some of the principals will be played by different actors on varying nights. Robbie Riddell and Afiya Flinn, both Braeburn students passionately pursuing drama, will alternate in the role of Oliver. The devious Fagin will have two players as well: Jazz Moll, who has acted in Braeburn performances since childhood, founded Youth Theatre Kenya, and is also Director of Oliver; and Richard Hooper, whose theatrical career spans 49 impressive years!

Oliver has been staged at Braeburn before but the last production was in 2008. Producer Joanna Garner thought that more than 20 years on, it was time to bring this classic back. 

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Other cast members include familiar face Samanthat Mihajlovic, well known for her panto roles with the Braeburn Players, as the formidable Widow Corney; Joe Holt as the pompous Mr. Bumble, in cahoots with Widow Corney; Corinne Childs plays soft-hearted Nancy and shares a tumultuous relationship with the violent Bill Sikes, portrayed by her real-life husband, Chris Childs. Both actors are old Braeburn Players hands. Nancy will be alternately played by Milla Ternois, who starred in Braeburn School’s Alice by Heart and In the Heights. Darya Burgess, who most recently took the house down with her powerful singing voice as Queen of Hearts in Alice by Heart, will be playing the elemental Artful Dodger. 

Afiya Finn (Oliver) and Darya Burgess (Artful Dodger)

Oliver’s adventures introduce audiences to memorable characters and situations that highlight themes of perseverance and kindness. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a classic tale brought to life by the talented Braeburn Players. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the story, Oliver! promises a night of exceptional theater that will have you tapping your toes and singing all the way home.

Performance Schedule

Mark your calendars for the following showtimes at Braeburn Theatre, Gitanga Rd.:

  • Friday, 9th May – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, 10th May – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, 11th May – 3:00 PM
  • Friday, 16th May – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, 17th May – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, 18th May – 3:00 PM

Secure your seats now by visiting theatres.braeburn.com