Oliver Twist is a British television mini-series adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist, written by Sarah Phelps and directed by Coky Giedroyc, which tells the classic Victorian tale of an orphan's adventures in the murky underworld of London.
The mini-series originally aired in five parts in the UK on the BBC, from 18-22 December, 2007. It is 180 minutes in length.
Oliver Twist aired in South Africa as a two-part mini-series on DStv's BBC Entertainment channel on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 December 2008, at 20h00 each night. Episodes are 90 minutes each.
Synopsis
Oliver's (William Miller) closest family are the workhouse board, and their plans for Oliver's future does not stretch much beyond starving him to death with pitiful rations of gruel.
But Oliver's a fighter, and after a courageous rebellion when he dares to ask for more, Oliver is cast out and forced to make his own way in the world.
On arriving in London, he meets The Artful Dodger (Adam Arnold), and is drawn into the dark and murky underworld of Fagin (Timothy Spall) and his gang.
Thrilling adventures involving the brutal Sikes (Tom Hardy), his beautiful Nancy (Sophie Okonedo), and the mysterious Mr Monks (Julian Rhind-Tutt) bring Oliver perilously close to death, but hope appears in the form of Mr Brownlow (Edward Fox), a generous benefactor with links to Oliver's past.
The cast also includes Rob Brydon as Mr Fang; Gregor Fisher as Mr Bumble and Sarah Lancashire as Mrs Corney. Anna Massey plays Mrs Bedwin, Mr Brownlow's trusted housekeeper; John Sessions is Mr Sowerberry, the undertaker; Michelle Gomez plays his wife, a woman with a penchant for hats; Morven Christie is Rose and Nicola Walker is Sally.
The infamous Artful Dodger is played by newcomer Adam Arnold and William Miller is cast in his first major lead role as Oliver Twist.
Filmed in and around London, Oliver Twist is produced by Sarah Brown. The executive producer is Kate Harwood and director Coky Giedroyc.