Michael Rosen’s Unexpected Twist At The Lowry, Salford Review

Reviewed by Kathryn Harrison

Last night I visited The Lowry Theatre in Salford with my mum and my daughter to watch “Michael Rosen’s Unexpected Twist. I didn’t know much about the show before we went, just that it was a retelling of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist. What we got was an interesting, clever, thought provoking and modern take on an old tale.

This retelling is based upon the 2018 book by Michael Rosen of the same name, it has been adapted for the theatre by Roy Williams. It begins in a modern high school classroom. Shona, played by Drew Hylton, is starting at a new school. We quickly learn that Shona’s mum died a couple of years ago and her dad has been struggling to keep them afloat ever since. When she is offered a new phone, every teenagers desire, by Tino, a boy in her class, Shona doesn’t stop to think what strings are attached.

The play draws lots of parallels between Shona’s modern life and the life of Oliver Twist. Even if Shona herself doesn’t want to acknowledge them. I thought it was an extremely clever portrayal of how poverty, manipulation and exploitation are still massive issues for vulnerable young children today. These problems haven’t gone away since the time of Dickens. It also showed its not just children who face pressure and can relate to the original characters. Miss Cavani, the children’s teacher, is doing her best to show them there is another way, they can escape the life that appears pre determined. Whilst helping the children she is also facing her own challenges in her relationship this is a direct comparison to the character of Nancy in Oliver Twist. The original character of Fagin can be related to Nan, someone who whilst their heart is in the right place, got deeper and deeper into something they cannot escape.

The cast switch from the modern to the olden multiple times throughout the play via costume changes. These changes reinforce the parallels being made, having the visual comparison really helped to compare the characters from the original Oliver Twist and this up to date retelling. It made you see how despite the clothing their stories weren’t all that different. The characters and problems they faced are still the same today.

I wouldn’t class myself as an expert on teenage thoughts and behaviours but I feel this play is an excellent way of getting young people to engage with a classic story, telling the tale in a manner they can relate to. A tale told by someone who isn’t that different to themselves in many respects. I thought it was a very clever and interesting adaptation.

The thing I was most blown away by was the music. At the very start of the show, before the curtain was even raised, the characters of Tino and Gazz addressed the audience directly, informing us that all the sounds and music we were about to hear come from the actors themselves, there were no instruments involved. It was phenomenal, as the programme says this play is “Blending classic literature with 21st century grime.” It doesn’t sound like it should work but it really does. The talent of the cast to be able to create the sounds and music they did absolutely blew me away. The beat box improvisation at the end of the show was a real treat to witness!

I thought this was a superb show that was thoroughly enjoyed by all Salford generations of my family. If you have the opportunity to watch this amazing performance full of talented people you absolutely should!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £16 plus £3.50 transaction fee.

Michael Rosen’s Unexpected Twist is at The Lowry Salford from 2nd May to 7th May.

For more information or to book tickets visit https://thelowry.com/whats-on/michael-rosens-unexpected-twist/ or call the box office on 01618762000

The Lowry Theatre, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ