First look: Unexpected Twist stage adaptation premiere and UK tour

Get a first look at the upcoming UK tour stage adaptation of Unexpected Twist.

The new play with music is adapted from Michael Rosen’s book of the same name, brought to the stage by BAFTA award-winning playwright Roy Williams with original music by rising R&B star Yaya Bey and BAC Beatbox Academy’s Conrad Murray.

The co-production between The Children’s Theatre Partnership and Royal & Derngate, Northampton will open at Royal & Derngate on 11 February 2023 before touring the UK from 28 February 2023.

Those making up the cast are Kate Donnachie as Desree, Alex Hardie as Gazz, Rosie Hilal as Miss Cavani, Drew Hylton as Shona, Nadine Rose Johnson as Rosie, Polly Lister as Nan/Lorraine, Alexander Lobo Moreno as Tino, James Meteyard as Pops, Liyah Summers as Rasheda, and Thomas Vernal as Dad.

Shona and her class are studying Oliver Twist. She’s new in school and keeps finding herself in trouble – much like Oliver himself! When she’s given a new phone by a stranger, she begins to suspect there’s something fishy about the new kids she’s met…

Unexpected Twist tour dates, venues and tickets »

The production is directed by James Dacre with design by Frankie Bradshaw’s, choreography by Olivier Award-winning Arielle Smith, lighting design by Rory Beaton, sound design by Leigh Davies with casting by Annelie Powell CDG.