Thought For The Day – Tuesday 21^st November 2023

With Taylor Swift-esque concert levels of demand and popularity at TBSHS, this week sees the school production of “Oliver!”, a fabulous and famous musical, based on Charles Dickens’ classic second novel, “Oliver Twist”.

Countless and tireless hours have gone into this intricate production of numerous moving parts, from dance, drama and music to costumes, light, set and technical requirements.

“Oliver!” will be the ultimate example of teamwork.

Staff and students have showed so much dedication, dynamism, attention to detail and support, over many months.

Staff, students and parents in the audience will massively appreciate and encourage the cast and crew.

Trust your process.  You got this. This is a truly outstanding achievement and production, which will be full of energy and joie de vivre.

Over the three nights of “Oliver!” at TBSHS, memories will be made for life.

The School Hall at TBSHS has seen so many wonderful evenings over the years and “Oliver!” promises be a truly awesome experience in its final few months.  A very fitting finale. Thank you so much to the Drama, Media and Music Departments.

The celebrated, historic and iconic musical “Oliver!” is by Lionel Bart.

Charles Dickens’ story of Oliver Twist is a tale of its time for our time and all times, with themes of accountability, compassion, equality, forgiveness, inclusion, justice, resilience and vulnerability.

Dickens’ works, like all great art, continue to be as relevant now as they were then. Charles Dickens addresses very important issues in a compassionate, good humoured and thoughtful manner.

An orphan, Oliver lives in a poorhouse, or workhouse, and suffers abuse and bullying. When he asks for more food, “Please, sir, I want some more”, Oliver is expelled, becoming an apprentice to a funeral director. Running away to London, Oliver meets “The Artful Dodger” and works for Fagin, the head of a group of thieves and pickpockets.  When Oliver tries to rob a person called Mr Brownlow, Mr. Brownlow cares for and helps Oliver. But, fearing he and his gang will be captured, Fagin kidnaps Oliver and, with the criminal, Bill Sikes, forces Oliver into further crime.  Oliver is injured in a burglary but, once again,  his victim cares for him. Oliver is also supported by Nancy, a former sex worker, and former member of Fagin’s gang, the who is married to Bill Sikes. Nancy suffers the very worst evil domestic abuse, but stands up for Oliver. Ultimately, Oliver is rescued from this life of crime, criminals are justly punished and Oliver finds family links.

Relating to anti-bullying week last week, there are people in the story who are good upstanders, people who stand up for, and support and look after, and do not take advantage of, Oliver.

Despite his many challenges and massive ordeals, Oliver still shows compassion,  forgiveness, goodness, hope, kindness and resilience.

Let’s Go “Oliver!”