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Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist is a powerful indictment of child poverty and exploitation, as relevant now as when it was written. A young orphan’s epic search for family and home lies at the heart of award-winning writer Ayeesha Menon’s radical updating of Dickens’ story to modern-day Nigeria and the refugee journey to Britain.

Directed by acclaimed theatre director Michael Buffong, this classic story is reimagined as a powerful and moving drama for today.

Episode 3:
Oli has become a hardened 20-year-old, who’s forgotten his best friend Mene and all their dreams. Saffron Hill is grooming Oli as the gang’s new leader, and persuades Bill to include him in a plan that will earn them a small fortune. But when they get to the rendezvous, Oli’s kind heart ruins the callous scheme and he pays a heavy price...

Is this the end of Oli’s last desperate hope of escape and the possibility of a new life?

Cast:
Oli - Idris Debrand
Babatunde - Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje 
Nancy - Tamara Lawrance
Bill - Fehinte Balogun
Dodger - Sylvester Akinrolabu
Miss Saffron Hill - Jocelyn Jee Esien
Blessing - Marlene Madenge
Inspector Ndbuisi - Kalungi Ssebandeke 
Charlie - Samuel Adebayo 
Auntie Rosie - Bisola Elizabeth Alabi 
Waitress - Fatima Adoum
Young Agi - Sariah Joye
Other parts played by Ali Zayn, Fabio Goutet, Ewens Abid, Makee Ogbon, Samantha Mandaza, Jayesh Fernando and Kairon Edwards

Adapted by Ayeesha Menon
Produced by Gill Parry
Directed by Michael Buffong

Music by Tunde Jegede
Sound design by David Thomas and Steve Bond
Photography by The Masons
Development concept written by Silas Parry
Cultural Advisor: Onassis Andem
Sound Interns: Makee Ogbon and Kairon Edwards
Production Interns: Samantha Mandaza and Jayesh Fernando
Production Manager: Sarah Tombling
Executive Producer: John Scott Dryden

A CONNECTfilm production for Â鶹Éç Radio 4