Please sir, can I have the lead role? Casting for Oliver! comes to Manchester

By Iram Ramzan

West End smash-hit musical OLIVER! is coming to Manchester and producers are looking for someone to play the lead role.

The forthcoming national tour of Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Lionel Bart’s OLIVER! are looking for boys who are aged 7 – 12, under 5 foot tall and have unbroken voices. All children must live within a 45 mile radius of Manchester to audition for these roles.

OLIVER! will be at the Manchester Palace Theatre from 24 January to 10 March 2012, starring Neil Morrissey as ‘Fagin’. Morrissey is best known as ‘Tony’ in the hugely successful TV series “Men Behaving Badly”.

Theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh said: “It is 46 years since I appeared in the first national tour of Oliver! and this show has been close to my heart ever since.

Every time I produce the show Lionel Bart’s marvellous musical becomes a smash hit all over again, so I’m thrilled to bring you yet another spectacular new version starring Neil Morrissey and Brian Conley.”

Bill Taylor, CEO of Stage Entertainment UK said: “Everybody here at Stage Entertainment is delighted to be working with Cameron and his team on this beloved show.  Audiences are in for a spectacular show”.

OLIVER! recently completed a two year run at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London where it opened to rave reviews, sell-out business and the biggest advance sales of all time for a West End show. Last year, OLIVER! celebrated its 50th birthday, having premiered in the West End in 1960.

If you know someone who you think will be perfect for the role of Oliver, auditions will be held during the weekend of Saturday 10 September.

For further information and to book an appointment please contact Jo Hawes on jo.hawes@virgin.net. No phone calls or submissions by post.