Writer: Charles Dickens
Adapter: Deborah McAndrew
Director: Mark Babych
As at Leeds Playhouse, the Christmas recipe at Hull is Charles Dickens, adapted by Deborah McAndrew, with music by John Biddle – and, just like at Leeds the Christmas carol has a part to play. At Hull Truck the adult cast in festive garb immediately bounce into a series of jolly carols, but in the midst of their ding-dong merrily, God rest you merry, and so forth, the Young Company solemnly intones a sombre In the Bleak Midwinter. Oliver’s mother staggers in, gives birth, dies, the infant is christened “Oliver Twist” – and we’re off! A really effective start that is paralleled by a similar shorter scene at the end, with In the Bleak Midwinter miraculously restored to optimism.
For the most part McAndrew is true to Dickens’ original until the later stages when Monks is omitted and the whole story of Oliver’s family much simplified, undoubtedly a wise decision as, of all the people who love the novel, how many can remember Dickens’ twists and turns on the way to a happy ending? Again wisely, McAndrew leaves in the bleak, horribly effective scene of Fagin in jail.
The first half, with all the cast doubling franticly and the Young Company a constant energetic presence, is in danger of being a bit too jolly, with comic performances that veer towards caricature and lively dance routines, but that changes in a moment with the appearance of the terrifying figure of Bill Sykes at the beginning of Act 2.. Thereafter the jollity disappears until the final minutes.
Fagin is one who undergoes a transformation, Lisa Howard sporting with their apprentices in Act 1 in a sparky scene, but gradually growing in intensity until finally the gallows looms. Christopher D. Hunt summons up all the malevolence of Bill Sykes and Alyce Liburd’s Nancy is a model of troubled conscience and terror of Bill. William Relton and Jessica Jolleys ooze sincerity as Mr Brownlow and Rose, with Relton also enjoying the cold selfishness of Mr Sowerberry. Alison Fitzjohn plays his wife as a snarling violent creature, matched (despite her attempt at social class) by her Widow Corney – playing the very correct Mrs Bedwin must have come as a relief to her! Andrew Whitehead meanwhile delights with his over-the-top portrayals of Mr Bumble, Fang, Mr Grimwig and other passing eccentrics.
Then there is the excellent Young Company, with three of their number shining as The Artful Dodger, Charley and, especially, Oliver Twist, innocently appealing without a hunt of mawkishness.
Mark Babych directs a pacy production, with Biddle’s music linking the whole thing together perfectly. Patrick Connellan’s set clears the main acting area in front of a sort-of-Gothic structure of windows and steps and Costume Designer Sian Thomas copes admirably with the many costume changes.
Runs until 4 January 2026
