Cast Announcement for Oliver Twist (Proudly Supported by Hull Trains)

20 Oct 2025 | Press Release

Hull Truck Theatre are excited to announce our cast line up for our family-friendly festive adaptation of the classic Dicken’s novel, Oliver Twist. The production is proudly supported by Hull Trains and on stage from Friday 28 November 2025 - Sunday 4 January 2026. 

Hull Trains are supporting Hull Truck Theatre for the sixth consecutive year and are delighted to once again encourage audiences to go green this Christmas by re-launching their green travel incentive. Audiences will be able to exchange a valid rail ticket for a £1 ice-cream at the interval during their visit to see Oliver Twist. Terms and conditions apply. See website for full details. 

With shared values of sustainability and community the successful partnership is going from strength to strength, with both organisations working together to positively impact local communities whilst modelling environmentally conscious practices. 

Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said:

“This is the sixth year that we’ve supported the Christmas production at the iconic Hull Truck Theatre, and we can’t wait to see their take on Oliver Twist.

“As a company that’s proudly from East Yorkshire, we’re passionate about supporting arts and culture in our local communities and Hull Truck Theatre is something for the city to truly treasure. 

“We’ve got some exciting plans to celebrate their show this year, which will all be unveiled very soon!”

Featuring traditional much-loved carols, folk tunes and original music, this enchanting production is the perfect family entertainment over the holidays. Following the journey of Oliver, a young boy born into a life of poverty, raised in a workhouse and sold into an apprenticeship, who escapes to London where he is befriended by the charismatic Artful Dodger and recruited into Fagin’s band of pickpockets and thieves. Captivating audiences of all ages, Deborah McAndrew’s dramatic and highly theatrical adaptation will be directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director Mark Babych.

Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said:    

“We’re delighted to announce a wonderfully talented cast for this classic family production that we’re delighted to be partnering once again with Hull Trains. We love Christmas time at Hull Truck Theatre, and we can’t wait to present this production of Oliver Twist that will be full of heart, fun and festive spirit. Featuring original music by John Biddle, spectacular staging, festive costume designs and a talented young company, this magical adaptation by Deborah McAndrew, is sure to bring families and audiences together to experience the joy and wonder of live theatre.”

Oliver Twist will be performed by a company of 8 actors who will take audiences on the adventure of a lifetime. Making her Hull Truck Theatre debut and playing the part of the kind-hearted heroine, Nancy is Alyce Liburd as well as the role of Claypole. Her theatre credits include - Pride and Prejudice, Sherlock Holmes (Storyhouse), Love’s Labour’s Lost - More or less (Shakespeare North/ SJT), Dracula: The Bloody Truth! (Octagon Theatre Bolton /SJT) and One Man Two Guvnors, A Leap In the Dark (New Vic). Audiences might also recognise Alyce from her Film and TV appearances in Riot Women, Waterloo Road, (BBC) and Sky Peals (Film4).

Lisa Howard will play the crafty, devious and manipulative character of Fagin and the role of Old Sally. Lisa last appeared on stage in Hull during the 2022 smash hit A Christmas Carol where she played the Ghost of Christmas Present. Other recognisable theatre credits include: The House with Chicken Legs (Les Enfants Terribles), Ladies That Dig (Ladies That…). Film and TV Include: Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Heartbeat, Where the Heart Is and The Royal (ITV) and Red Riding 1983’ (Channel 4).

Bill Sikes, another villainous character is played by Christopher D.Hunt, who will also perform the role of Policeman. Christopher most recently originated the role of Jeff in the Original UK and Ireland Tour of Greatest Days. Other theatre credits include: Waitress – The Musical  (Original UK and Ireland Tour), We Will Rock You (UK and Ireland Tour); To Kill a Mockingbird (UK and Ireland Tour); Original London cast of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom – The Musical (Piccadilly Theatre, West End); Original UK cast of The Addams Family (UK and International Tour); Original cast of Batman Live (UK, European, South America and USA Arena Tour); Original London cast of The Lord of the Rings (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, West End); and Original London cast of Zorro – The Musical (Garrick Theatre, West End).

Mr Sowerberry, the undertaker, will be performed by William Relton and Mrs Sowerberry, his wife, by Alison Fitzjohn. William will also play Mr Brownlow. With a variety of experience his theatre credits expand decades including H.M.S. Pinafore (Old Vic and UK tour), Hamlet (Nottingham Playhouse), Mother Courage (Nottingham Playhouse), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park), The Marriage of Figaro (National Theatre), and Sweeney Todd (Drury Lane) to name a few. Audiences may also recognise William from films including: The Thursday Murder Club (Netflix), and Slumdog Millionaire. Alison will also play Widow Corney and Mrs Bedwin. Theatre credits include Horrible Histories (West End/UK tour/Australia and Middle East Tour), Choir (Chichester Festival Theatre), Dixon and Daughters (National Theatre/ Clean Break), Queen of Hearts/Duchess in Olivier nominated Alice’s Adventures Underground (Les Enfants Terribles).

Mr Bumble, the beadle in the parish workhouse where Oliver was born, will be played by Andrew Whitehead as well as the characters Justice Fang, Mr Grimwig and Officer. No stranger to the Hull Truck Theatre stage, Andrew played Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors (2024), A Christmas Carol (2022), Around the World In 80 Days (2023), and Toast (2007). Andrew's TV and film credits include: Coronation Street, Brassic, The Runaways, Emmerdale and The Big Chance. 

Jessica Jolleys and Robyn McIntyre will also return to Hull Truck Theatre after both last appearing on stage in 2022. Audiences may remember Jessica who played Sophie in Mumsy. She will perform the roles of Agnes, Charlotte, Bet and Rose. Robyn returns having played Phyllis in The Railway Children (2021). Robyn will play Ensemble and Swing cover roles.

The professional cast will be supported by a 19-strong young company of performers who have been cast from Hull Truck’s Youth Theatre and other local performing arts groups. Playing the role of Oliver Twist will be shared between Sophia Pike and Vivienne Rowland and the role of Dodger will be shared between Eve McDonald and Zach Robinson. 

Tickets for Oliver Twist are available now and can be purchased via www.hulltruck.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01482 323638. Recommended age guidance: 7+. A variety of access performances are also available including a ‘Baby Friendly’ performance on Friday 5 Dec at 11am.