Last year Pavanveer Sagoo performed in Leeds Conservatoire’s production of A Christmas Carol as part of his training. Now an Acting graduate, he is continuing the Dickens theme after being cast in the title role of a new version of Oliver Twist.
The show at The Albany in Coventry is running from 9 to 31 December 2023 and is described by the theatre as follows:
“It’s Christmas Eve when fate throws an unlikely group of rogues together. To their astonishment they recognise each other. As children, each one of them had been part of Fagin’s notorious pickpocketing gang. They start to reminisce and between them recreate the original Dickens story of Victorian London’s much celebrated child.
“All the major characters – Oliver, Fagin, Bill Sikes, Mr. Bumble, Nancy and the Artful Dodger are vividly brought to life by a multi-talented ensemble. Our production is a rollercoaster ride of tragedy and comedy that will keep you on the edge of your seat as well as spreading a little festive cheer.
“It’s a Christmas tale with a twist.”
As an actor from the global majority, representation is something that Pavanveer is passionate about. A proud practising Sikh, Pavanveer’s identity as queer, South Asian talent and representing these communities continues to be the driving force towards his success.
Pavanveer shared the following:
“As a new grad, it's a real privilege to be able to do what I love; especially as I trained for it. This feels like the reward, the pay-off of the intensive three years at the conservatoire.
“There can be a lot of pressure in being cast as the titular role in anything; especially something as classic as Oliver Twist. Like for any actor, this character is merely a mantle we each play with. It feels like the former Olivers have passed the baton onto me and we can see what agency I unlock in the role!
“It's particularly powerful to me having an Oliver who happens to be South Asian. We're gonna have a lot of kids come to watch this production, and being able to represent all those brown faces is so gratifying. Whilst Oliver's race in this piece is something we don't need to address; the design team have made some beautiful choices which pay homage to my Oliver. It's going to be beautiful!”
