Oliver: Rhylan Burton
Editor: Cath Bardsley
Writer/Narrator: Paul Swift
Leeds TiE Company: Annalyn Bhanji, Michael Jameson, Paul Swift
“Best piece of theatre in education I have seen for years… Powerful theatre”
Inspired by the Charles Dickens classic, ONE OF FAGIN’S BOYS tells the story of an orphan boy called Oliver and his struggle to survive poverty and crime in Britain 2012. It’s summer, Oliver runs away from care and meets Fagin and his gang…
“Do you trust social workers, Oliver? Course you don’t. And neither did Nancy. She ran away from the kids home, didn’t you? Nancy was a very naughty girl.”
The play is part of an educational theatre programme supporting work on domestic violence and abuse, crime and anti-social behaviour, health and well being, emotional literacy, bullying, alcohol and drug misuse. It is suitable for children age 10 upwards, young people and adult groups and can be delivered in schools, youth and community groups, at conferences and as part of professional development.
The programme consists of:
1. workers’ preview (where available)
2. the play, ONE OF FAGIN’S BOYS (1 hour)
3. follow-up sessions and materials to enable groups to use the world of the play to talk safely about difficult issues relevant to their lives.
The programme starts at £300 (and is FREE to some groups in LS9, LS14 and LS15, thanks to support from JIMBO’S Fund). If you would like to book ONE OF FAGIN’S BOYS or need any further information please click here to contact us.
Praise for One of Fagin's Boys:
“Excellent! This needs to go to every primary school, not just in Leeds.”
“A moving and very rewarding session. To have this many clients attend, stop and come back for a second session is testament to the professionalism of the team. A massive thank you.”
“Excellent resource, entertaining and educational. Gritty without being rough in delivery and content.” WORKER
“It deepens children’s writing and thinking skills… the children were inspired and worked together brilliantly.” TEACHER
“I really enjoyed it. I felt I could relate to some of the issues brought up in the play, that then captured my attention. And it was brilliant.” PARTICIPANT
“Provides a unique opportunity to open dialogue about difficult issues, and allows pupils to explore their own concerns and problems.” TEACHER
“This really does safely go into very difficult areas and powerfully challenges young people without threatening their safely.” YOUTH WORKER
“A lesson in not being influenced by others. Think for yourself… Brilliant as usual.” TEACHER
“Unlike seeing a film the play made everything feel real. You could see real people and emotions/ relationships. I would like to see more plays like that.” PARTICIPANT
“I thought it was incredible because it was true and there’s no lies.” PUPIL
“Provides a unique opportunity to open dialogue about difficult issues, and allows pupils to explore their own concerns and problems.” TEACHER
“It was awesome! I wanted to watch it again.” PUPIL
“They really listened to you. They didn’t forget you and ask someone else.” YOUNG PERSON
