Dickens

Oliver Twist Dickens

George Almar was a popular Victorian actor and comedian known for writing melodramas and in his adaptation of "Oliver Twist" he made use of every one of the elements of dramatic melodrama for his production at the Surrey Theatre. In fact, the production's melodramatic staging such as the gruesome murder of Nancy by Sikes and the crude criminal activities of the characters caused the management of the theatre to issue a reply to the public outcry against such things being presented on stage. Of course, all this lead to a successful box office and a run of over 80 performances. The play would go on to have many provincial tours, and in America it became a staple of stock companies, still playing well into the 20th Century. Published as part of Theatre Arts Press' Dickens Dramatized Series of Plays.