Singing Audition for "Oliver" Musical

A brave and kind-hearted orphan boy who longs for love and family, never losing his sense of goodness despite harsh conditions. Singer/Actor role- smooth, boyish soprano vocal; British (NOT Cockney) accent, bright and innocent. Key Songs: Where Is Love?, Who Will Buy?

A clever criminal who trains homeless boys to pickpocket for him. Despite his manipulative nature, he shows moments of self-awareness. Singer/Actor role- baritone vocal; Cockney accent. Fagin is a character baritone rather than a classical baritone; the role requires strong acting and comedic timing more than virtuosic vocal ability. A singer should be comfortable with speak-singing, vocal inflection, and the occasional falsetto-like. Key Songs: Pick a Pocket or Two, Reviewing the Situation

A tough, streetwise young woman with a heart of gold, she is the abused partner of Bill Sikes and a former worker for Fagin. Singer/Actress role- Mezzo/Soprano strong belt; should have decent movement/dance skills. Cockney accent. Nancy’s role is vocally demanding. The performer must balance vocal power with emotional depth, as Nancy’s songs often reflect pain, love, and internal conflict. Key Songs: As Long As He Needs Me, It’s a Fine Life, Oompah-Pah

Sikes is a violent and brutal criminal who rules by fear and intimidation. He is controlling and abusive, especially toward Nancy, and is feared by all. Singer/Actor role- baritone vocal; Cockney accent. The role is dark and intense, requiring more speak-singing than melody. It demands strong dramatic presence and excellent vocal projection. The actor must deliver lines with grit and precision and be able to growl or bark notes in rhythm while maintaining pitch. Key Song: My Name

A charismatic and confident young pickpocket, he is Fagin’s best pupil and recruits Oliver into the gang. Street-smart and clever, he is energetic and eager to teach Oliver about life on the streets. Singer/Actor role- unchanged male vocal; Cockney accent; Requires precise rhythm, strong stage presence, and agile vocals. The vocal range can vary slightly based on the actor’s age: bright, energetic, and playful with a cheeky tone. Key Songs: Consider Yourself, I’d Do Anything

A spirited and mischievous member of Fagin’s gang and the Artful Dodger’s close companion. Unlike Dodger, he’s more goofy than slick, often providing comic relief. Singer/Actor- boy soprano (Treble) unchanged male voice ; Cockney accent.

The Master of the Workhouse. A large, pompous, and corrupt bureaucrat; self-important beadle of the workhouse. He is more concerned with appearances and authority than with compassion. Singer/Actor role- bass/baritone vocal; Cockney accent. Requires strong character acting, clear diction, and the ability to deliver speak-singing. Lower notes (A2–B2) should be confident and resonant, while the upper range (D4–E4) requires control without sounding forced. Key Song: Boy for Sale

She is the Matron of the Workhouse, flirtatious and self-serving. She marries Mr. Bumble and, like him, shows a lack of compassion, contributing to Oliver’s mistreatment. She is a sharp-tongued, corrupt widow. Singer/Actress role- mezzo/ soprano character vocal; Cockney accent. Requires a potent mix or light belt. The ability to enhance dramatic or humorous moments vocally. Duets with Mr. Bumble require good vocal control, clear musical timing, and expressive character. Key Song: I Shall Scream

A kind, wealthy gentleman who takes Oliver in, symbolizing safety and compassion, and is later revealed to have a connection to Oliver’s past. Actor role- British accent (not Cockney). Requires strong acting ability, a warm and paternal presence, and clear speech more than vocal strength.

She is a younger friend of Nancy and a fellow member of Fagin’s circle. She admires Nancy and often joins her in musical numbers. Singer/Actress role – mezzo/soprano vocals; should dance/ move well. Cockney accent. Youthful character role; she sings harmonies with Nancy and the other children. Requires a clear tone, good pitch, warm stage presence, and the ability to match Nancy’s emotions. Light acting and movement needed. Key Song: It’s a Fine Life, I’d do Anything

A bullying, cowardly apprentice at the undertakers’ where Oliver is sent to work. He mocks and mistreats Oliver. Actor role- baritone vocal; Cockney accent: comedic villain role, character-driven with some ensemble singing. Key Song: That’s Your Funeral

The flirtatious daughter of the undertaker, often portrayed as silly and self-involved. She joins in mocking Oliver. Usually paired with Noah. Actress Role- mezzo/soprano; Cockney accent; a good fit for a performer who’s a confident actor and comfortable with supporting vocals. Key Song: That’s Your Funeral

The gloomy undertaker who takes Oliver as an apprentice is melancholic and tightfisted. While not overtly cruel, he neglects Oliver’s mistreatment and shows little compassion. Singer/Actor role- Baritone Vocal; Cockney accent. Duet with Mrs. Sowerberry – Comedic and theatrical, focusing on timing and diction rather than vocal power. The role emphasizes character acting with dry humor and macabre wit. Key Song (Mr. Sowerberry): That’s Your Funeral

Mrs. Sowerberry, the undertaker’s wife, is sharp-tongued and unkind to Oliver. She is more business-savvy than her husband and is a domineering woman with little patience for either of them. Singer/Actress role- mezzo/soprano vocal; Cockney accent. The role is comedic and exaggerated, requiring speak-singing, theatrical delivery, sarcasm, shrill energy, and clear diction. Key Song (duet with Mr. Sowerberry): That’s Your Funeral

Dr. Grimwig is a blunt and eccentric family friend of Mr. Brownlow, known for his upper-class mannerisms, British Received Pronunciation accent, and exaggerated gestures. Actor role-Needs excellent comic timing, clear articulation, and a strong stage presence.

Mrs. Bedwin, Mr. Brownlow’s compassionate housekeeper, plays a vital role in Oliver’s healing. She is perceptive, recognizing his innocence, and treats him with genuine kindness. Singer/Actress role- mezzo/soprano vocal; British (not Cockney) accent; requires a warm, sincere presence and strong acting ability.

Old Sally, a dying woman, reveals a key secret about Oliver’s birth at the story’s beginning. Present at Oliver’s mother’s death, she confesses to stealing a locket or ring from her. This revelation uncovers Oliver’s true identity and noble heritage. Acting role- Cockney accent: Appears briefly in early scenes with Widow Corney, often in a quiet setting that emphasizes the seriousness of the moment.

These are the children who live under harsh conditions in the parish workhouse run by Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney. Songs: Food, Glorious Food, Oliver!

A group of streetwise orphan boys and girls trained by Fagin to steal for survival. They’re cheeky, clever, and surprisingly loyal to each other. Songs: Consider Yourself, Pick a Pocket or Two, Be Back Soon, I’d Do Anything