Unexpected Twist

No matter how hard we try, we just can’t get out. It’s like we are not allowed to. Some give up and say, “alright then, if you won’t give, I will bloody well take.” And you know what Shona, I don’t blame them.

Shona and her class are studying the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist. She’s the new girl in school and is finding it hard to stay out of trouble – much like Oliver himself! When she’s given a new phone by a stranger, she begins to suspect there’s something unusual about the new boys she’s met.

Unexpected Twist is a re-telling of Oliver Twist by one of the best-loved figures in the children’s book world, Michael Rosen. This thrilling story was brought to vivid life by The Children’s Theatre Partnership, and Royal & Derngate, Northampton, whose co-productions have included Holes and The Jungle Book. Directed by James Dacre (2020 Olivier Award nominated Our Lady of Kibeho), Rosen’s novel was adapted for the stage by BAFTA award-winning playwright Roy Williams (Death of England, Sucker Punch) with original music by rising R&B star Yaya Bey and BAC Beatbox Academy’s Conrad Murray.

This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere and UK tour, in April 2023.