Singing Audition for "Oliver" Play

A clever criminal who trains homeless boys to pickpocket for him. Despite his manipulative nature, he shows moments of self-awareness. As a charming conman, his humor and charisma make him both intriguing and relatable. Singer/Actor role- baritone vocal; Cockney accent. Fagin is a character baritone rather than a classical baritone; the role requires strong acting and comedic timing more than virtuosic vocal ability. Key Songs: Pick a Pocket or Two, Reviewing the Situation

A tough, streetwise young woman with a heart of gold, she is the abused partner of Bill Sikes and a former worker for Fagin. Now a “barmaid” at the Three Cripples Bar, she is intelligent and pretty, longing for a better life while risking everything to protect Oliver. Singer/Actress role- Mezzo/Soprano strong belt; should have decent movement/dance skills. Cockney accent. Nancy’s role is vocally demanding. Key Songs: As Long As He Needs Me, It’s a Fine Life, Oompah-Pah

(Older-looking teen male) Sikes is a violent and brutal criminal who rules by fear and intimidation. He is controlling and abusive, especially toward Nancy, and is feared by all. Once a youth under Fagin, he is now a notorious master criminal—good-looking in a rough way and a scoundrel who only thinks of himself. Singer/Actor role- baritone vocal; Cockney accent. The role is dark and intense, requiring more speak-singing than melody. Key Song: My Name

(Young boy that’s taller than Oliver and seems to be a bit more street smart) A charismatic and confident young pickpocket, he is Fagin’s best pupil and recruits Oliver into the gang. Street-smart and clever, he is energetic and eager to teach Oliver about life on the streets. Singer/Actor role- unchanged male vocal; Cockney accent; Requires precise rhythm, strong stage presence, and agile vocals. Key Songs: Consider Yourself, I’d Do Anything

(Young boy around Dodger’s size) A spirited and mischievous member of Fagin’s gang and the Artful Dodger’s close companion. Unlike Dodger, he’s more goofy than slick, often providing comic relief. Singer/Actor- boy soprano (Treble) unchanged male voice ; Cockney accent.

The Master of the Workhouse. A large, pompous, and corrupt bureaucrat; self-important beadle of the workhouse. He is more concerned with appearances and authority than with compassion. Often played for comedy. Key Songs: Boy for Sale, I shall Scream Singer/Actor role- bass/baritone vocal; Cockney accent. Lower notes (A2–B2) should be confident and resonant, while the upper range (D4–E4) requires control without sounding forced. Key Song: Boy for Sale

She is the Matron of the Workhouse, flirtatious and self-serving. She marries Mr. Bumble and, like him, shows a lack of compassion, contributing to Oliver’s mistreatment. She is a sharp-tongued, corrupt widow. Singer/Actress role- mezzo/ soprano character vocal; Cockney accent. The ability to enhance dramatic or humorous moments vocally. Duets with Mr. Bumble require good vocal control, clear musical timing, and expressive character. Key Song: I Shall Scream

A kind, wealthy gentleman who takes Oliver in, symbolizing safety and compassion, and is later revealed to have a connection to Oliver’s past. Actor role- British accent (not Cockney). Requires strong acting ability, a warm and paternal presence, and clear speech more than vocal strength.

She is a younger friend of Nancy and a fellow member of Fagin’s circle. She admires Nancy and often joins her in musical numbers. Singer/Actress role – mezzo/soprano vocals; should dance/ move well. Cockney accent. Youthful character role; she sings harmonies with Nancy and the other children. Requires a clear tone, good pitch, warm stage presence, and the ability to match Nancy’s emotions. Light acting and movement needed. Key Song: It’s a Fine Life, I’d do Anything

A bullying, cowardly apprentice at the undertakers’ where Oliver is sent to work. He mocks and mistreats Oliver. Actor role- baritone vocal; Cockney accent: comedic villain role, character-driven with some ensemble singing. Key Song: That’s Your Funeral

The flirtatious daughter of the undertaker, often portrayed as silly and self-involved. She joins in mocking Oliver. Usually paired with Noah. Actress Role- mezzo/soprano; Cockney accent; a good fit for a performer who’s a confident actor and comfortable with supporting vocals. Key Song: That’s Your Funeral

The gloomy undertaker who takes Oliver as an apprentice is melancholic and tightfisted. While not overtly cruel, he neglects Oliver’s mistreatment and shows little compassion. Singer/Actor role- Baritone Vocal; Cockney accent. Duet with Mrs. Sowerberry – Comedic and theatrical, focusing on timing and diction rather than vocal power. The role emphasizes character acting with dry humor and macabre wit. Key Song (Mr. Sowerberry): That’s Your Funeral

Mrs. Sowerberry, the undertaker’s wife, is sharp-tongued and unkind to Oliver. She is more business-savvy than her husband and is a domineering woman with little patience for either of them. Singer/Actress role- mezzo/soprano vocal; Cockney accent. The role is comedic and exaggerated, requiring speak-singing, theatrical delivery, sarcasm, shrill energy, and clear diction. Key Song (duet with Mr. Sowerberry): That’s Your Funeral

Dr. Grimwig is a blunt and eccentric family friend of Mr. Brownlow, known for his upper-class mannerisms, British Received Pronunciation accent, and exaggerated gestures. Actor role-Needs excellent comic timing, clear articulation, and a strong stage presence.

Mrs. Bedwin, Mr. Brownlow’s compassionate housekeeper, plays a vital role in Oliver’s healing. She is perceptive, recognizing his innocence, and treats him with genuine kindness. Singer/Actress role- mezzo/soprano vocal; British (not Cockney) accent; requires a warm, sincere presence and strong acting ability.

Old Sally, a dying woman, reveals a key secret about Oliver’s birth at the story’s beginning. Present at Oliver’s mother’s death, she confesses to stealing a locket or ring from her. This revelation uncovers Oliver’s true identity and noble heritage. Acting role- Cockney accent: Appears briefly in early scenes with Widow Corney, often in a quiet setting that emphasizes the seriousness of the moment.

Ensembles: These are the children who live under harsh conditions in the parish workhouse run by Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney. Songs: Food, Glorious Food, Oliver!

Ensembles: A group of streetwise orphan boys and girls trained by Fagin to steal for survival. They’re cheeky, clever, and surprisingly loyal to each other. Songs: Consider Yourself, Pick a Pocket or Two, Be Back Soon, I’d Do Anything

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