Rhys Thomas has created a prequel to Oliver Twist.
This time focussing on the character of Dodger before he met Oliver and even Fagin.
Dodger is an orphan working in a factory somewhere in the north of England run by the cruel Mr Canker.
He buys orphans, makes them work long hours and in intolerable working conditions.
Dodger escapes barefoot and with a little help and a pair of shoes, he makes it into London.
He wants to find the orphanage he grew up in but he learns that it burnt down. Dodger makes money with some sharp card tricks and he eventually comes to the attention of Fagin.
Made for Children's BBC. It is fast moving and a little bit cheeky. It is not as broad as I thought it would be, which might be a good thing. Victorian Britain was not all sweetness and light. People were regarded as commodities.
There is a bit of a star studded cast. Christopher Eccleston is the standout as Fagin, maybe less sinister than he is in Oliver Twist.
After the first episode I certainly would want more.
This time focussing on the character of Dodger before he met Oliver and even Fagin.
Dodger is an orphan working in a factory somewhere in the north of England run by the cruel Mr Canker.
He buys orphans, makes them work long hours and in intolerable working conditions.
Dodger escapes barefoot and with a little help and a pair of shoes, he makes it into London.
He wants to find the orphanage he grew up in but he learns that it burnt down. Dodger makes money with some sharp card tricks and he eventually comes to the attention of Fagin.
Made for Children's BBC. It is fast moving and a little bit cheeky. It is not as broad as I thought it would be, which might be a good thing. Victorian Britain was not all sweetness and light. People were regarded as commodities.
There is a bit of a star studded cast. Christopher Eccleston is the standout as Fagin, maybe less sinister than he is in Oliver Twist.
After the first episode I certainly would want more.