The leading boys of the upcoming musical Oliver by Kilkenny Musical Society’s are rehearsing hard to perfect their challenging roles of Oliver and the artful Dodger.
The musical based on Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist is a story of poverty, fear, innocence and above all, the search for a loving family.
Two of the key characters in the show are workhouse boy Oliver and the cunning Artful Dodger played by local boys Alan Hayes and Fionn Gardiner. They are practising hard to get their characters just right for the week of the show.
“I am so proud of myself,” says Alan. “It’s a great achievement to play Oliver - auditions were tough so I’m delighted I got the part.” Fionn added, “it was a big shock when I heard that I got the part of Dodger, there were so many lads at the auditions, so it was great to get the part.”
Alan’s favourite song from the show is “Food Glorious Food” and Fionn’s favourite is “Consider Yourself.” Of course, being set in London, they have to perfect the cockney accent. The boys revealed that their Kilkenny accents still come through at times, but with plenty of rehearsals taking place, they’ll soon be talking like regular Londoners!
Playing lead roles in a show like Oliver of course brings other challenges, including tackling time management with school commitments.
“It’s hard to get my homework done and the teachers don’t take the musical as an excuse, so I have to find time to do it, but it’s definitely worth it in the end,” says Fionn.
The boys know how much hard work the show is, but they are having great fun preparing to take to the Watergate stage.
“We do mess a little bit during rehearsals, but we know when to take it seriously and get the work done,” says Alan.
And of course, under the watchful eyes of David Heffernan (director ), Patrick Clancy (musical director ) and Marie Cashin (choreographer ), they will no doubt put on a fantastic show.
Oliver will be staged in the Watergate Theatre from April 4 – 10. There will be a matinee performances on Easter Monday April 5 and Saturday April 10.
It is recommended to book early as the show takes place over the Easter holidays - and with such talented young people as Fionn and Alan, as well as many more of Kilkenny’s finest singers and dancers taking to the stage — the show is sure to be a sell out. Tickets are available at the Theatre Box Office (Tel: 0567761674 ) and bookings are being taken now.
