School children to put their Twist on Oliver for author's birthday (From News Shopper)

Gad’s Hill School pupils to put their Twist on Oliver for author's birthday

2:17pm Monday 30th January 2012 in Education News By Jim Palmer

CONSIDER yourself in for a treat at Woodville Halls next week as school pupils taught in Dickens’ old house put of a special performance of one of the author’s most famous works.

More than 150 pupils from Gad’s Hill School in Higham will perform Oliver! - the famous Lionel Bart adaptation of the author’s classic Oliver Twist.

It is expected that more than 600 primary school children and members of community groups will see the afternoon matinee at Woodville Halls on Tuesday, February 7 – Dickens’ 200th birthday.

Head teacher, David Craggs said: “Dickens made Gad’s Hill Place, the school’s current residence, his home in 1856, until he died in what is now the school’s dining room in 1870.

“Since the 1920’s the Headteacher of Gad’s has run the school from what was Dickens’ study and our pupils today are taught English in what was his bedroom.

“We realise that this is a great privilege, and rightly want to celebrate our former owner’s 200th birthday with a unique tribute that would quench even Dickens’ theatrical thirst.” Mr Craggs added: “As public access to our historic school is limited, we decided to offer our friends in the community and school children the opportunity to help celebrate one of the region’s most significant figures with an exclusive preview of Oliver!

“We hope that this will further the school’s links with local residents and will encourage everyone to support, and perhaps even get involved with, amateur dramatics.”

Tyler Rodberg, 11, who played a young Charles Dickens for BBC Songs of Praise, takes the part of Oliver.

Holly Crowter, 15, who plays Nancy, has had expert tuition from her mother, Amanda, who starred in original 1968 Oliver! film. Call Woodville Halls’ box office on 01474 337774 or e-mail www.gravesham.gov.uk for tickets.