How many children are you looking for?
There are 50 children in each performance of Oliver!

What are the requirements?
Boys aged between 9 and 13 /unbroken voices / all nationalities but must live in the UK /excellent singing and good movement. The height limit is 5 foot and this is set in stone. Nobody taller than this at the time of the audition will be auditioned.

Will my child perform every night?
Children play on a rota of three teams – typically two days a week each. For example – Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday or Friday/Saturday

Are rehearsals in school time?
Rehearsals last about 5 weeks and are in school time. However children must attend their own schools for 15 hours per week – this is statutory. Rehearsals are planned around this.

Where are rehearsals?
They take place in London but not necessarily in the theatre.

Are children allowed time off for holidays/special occasions?
We do not allow time off for any reason other than illness or a compulsory school event / exam. The children all cover each other and are expected to be reasonably available even when they are scheduled off.

What happens if I have a holiday booked?
We are unable to audition you this time.

What happens if a child lives too far away to commute?
Cameron Mackintosh Limited has a flat in the West End of London. If we accommodate your child they will also be tutored at the “Oliver” School which is situated at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane under the supervision of a qualified teacher. We do not accommodate parents. Children come home and back to their own schools as much as possible. We never accommodate over a Saturday or Sunday night.

Will my child be paid?
Children are paid a performance and rehearsal fee. We also pay a contribution towards travelling expenses.

Can parents chaperone?
All children will be chaperoned by professional, licensed, career chaperones at all times whilst they are with us. It is our policy that we do not have parents chaperoning and they are not permitted to watch rehearsals or come backstage at the theatre.

Are children collected from home to attend rehearsals / performances?
All children must be delivered to the theatre or rehearsal room by their parents and collected again.

Is there anywhere in the theatre for parents to wait during performances?
No.

Are there any complimentary tickets?
All tickets must be paid for at the Box Office - there are no complimentary tickets.

What are the performance times?
Monday to Saturday at 7.30 and Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30 and 7.30. Children do both shows on a matinee day. They finish at 10.15 pm.

Can we tell our local paper if our child is cast?
No publicity is permitted unless it is approved by ourselves.

How are the auditions organised?
20 children will be auditioned every half hour on a given day. Recalls will be on other days.

Where will they take place?
In cities around the UK (please continue to check website for details and updates)

Can children audition more than once if they are not given a recall the first time?
No – we discourage this as children are thoroughly tested the first time and we feel that it is not good for them to be rejected over and over again. If we want to see them again we will call them back.

Can children apply by post?
All submissions must be made online

Can girls apply?
Girls cannot audition for roles in Fagin’s Gang, and principal roles of Oliver and Artful Dodger. However there are girls in the show and if you want to audition at another time then please email jo.hawes@virgin.net. However please note that all girls must live within the M25 and must be under 5 foot tall. They must have beautiful singing voices and strong dancing skills. No girl will be seen unless they fit this criteria. Under no circumstances will we take girls from outside the M25.