​A tale of heartbreak and hope in the Victorian streets of London

With preparations well underway and excitement building, EMILIA SAMPLE reports on this year’s school musical, which promises to be one of our most ambitious productions yet

THE hall of Ripon Grammar School will soon be transformed into the streets of Victorian London as students bring the celebrated musical Oliver! to life.

With unforgettable songs, powerful characters, and both cast and orchestra made up of entirely students, this year’s school musical promises to be one of the most ambitious productions yet.

With two casts alternating principal roles, every performance will offer something unique - making Oliver!, which runs from March 10 to 13, a show not to be missed.

Based on Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist, Oliver! follows the journey of a young orphan who escapes a harsh workhouse in search of a better life. Along the way, he encounters a colourful cast of characters, from the mischievous Artful Dodger to the villainous Bill Sikes.

Featuring well known songs such as Food, Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, and As Long As He Needs Me, the musical balances humour with emotional depth.

Musical director Mr Barker said: “We decided to undertake Oliver! this year as a contrast to the darker musicals we have done over the past years such as Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast and Little Shop of Horrors.

“The music appeals to us as we can pull together our strong orchestral instrumentalists for the orchestra, and we wanted to open it up to younger members who will be our stars of the future, and give them a taste of how a full production works.

“We were delighted at the number of students who came to audition and although we couldn’t give everyone a place, we were able to double the cast and give students a real chance to shine in a variety of roles. We are really pleased with the strong cast we have.”

Though often remembered for its cheerful choruses and well-known melodies, Oliver! is a demanding production, requiring precision, stamina, and emotional depth from its performers. With fast-paced ensemble numbers, intricate harmonies, and scenes that shift quickly between humour and heartbreak, the show presents a considerable challenge - one the cast has embraced whole heartedly.

Following an orchestral rehearsal Mr Barker commented: “The amazing student orchestra is 20-strong and consists of students from Years 8 to 13. There are no easier versions of these shows, so students are presented with professional orchestral parts, and they always rise to the challenge.”

Mr Barker is moving from director to musical director this year with Mrs Craven taking over as choreographer. Rosie Menzer, a new student to Year 12, who has been in Oliver previously, is in the cast whilst also assisting with direction, rehearsals and choreography.

We have a full backstage crew, lighting, make-up, props and sound team to make the show come alive.

At the heart of the musical is Oliver Twist himself, a character whose innocence and quiet resilience anchor the entire story. Oliver’s moral clarity stands in contrast to the world around him, making his journey all the more affecting. Oliver is going to be portrayed by James Hallam and Xander Galloway-Gee.

In contrast, Bill Sikes, who will be played by Drayton Pitt, looms as a dark figure of intimidation, representing the most brutal consequences of the world Oliver has entered. Sikes is driven by violence and paranoia, making him one of the most unsettling presences on stage. The role requires control and restraint, with its power lying not in excess but in the constant sense of threat he brings to every scene.

Additionally, among the show’s most powerful characters is Nancy, a figure of warmth and inner conflict whose loyalty and compassion ultimately place her in grave danger. Bobbi Todd and Emilia Sample take on the challenge of balancing moments of tenderness with devastating emotional intensity. The role demands both vocal strength and dramatic maturity making it one of the most challenging parts in the production.

Fagin is one of the musical’s most complex and morally ambiguous figures, a charismatic thief whose humour masks a deeply cynical world view. A successful portrayal ensures Fagin demands a strong presence with vocal depth and agility. William Parkes and William Keens are both strong Fagins and each bring their own personal touch to the role.

With performances taking place in March, Oliver! Promises to be an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of musical theatre or seeing it for the first time, this production is sure to impress.

Tickets will be on sale soon - £10 for adults and £5 for students and concessions. Available via parent pay, reception or students will be able to buy tickets at lunchtimes nearer to the show.