Oliver Twist at Danes Hill School, Esther Winklehner, St Johns School

By Esther Winklehner

Oliver Twist follows the story of a 10-year-old orphan boy, who after being raised in a workhouse, escapes to London, and finds himself involved in a gang of juvenile pickpockets, and discovers the secrets of the parentage, allowing him to reconnect to the last remaining members of his family.

Danes Hill, one of the leading co-educational day prep schools located in the heart of Oxshott in Surrey,  has recently invited the friends and family of Year 6 pupils to watch their version of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, arguably one of the most widely recognized books turned musicals ever written.

As my youngest sister, Hannah Winklehner was involved in this play as Mrs. Bedwin, who is Mr. Brownlow’s housekeeper, I found myself with a front row ticket to this performance, so I can tell you first-hand how captivating it was from start to finish.

The talent from these Year 6 pupils was overwhelming and I can honestly say that it was one of the best youth productions I have ever seen. The expression and emotion that the pupils were able to invoke throughout the performance, was simply remarkable, especially considering the age of them. They seemed particularly pleased when they received a standing ovation from the audience, full of wonderfully proud and engaged parents who seemed to be able to fully appreciate the time and effort their children had gone to, in order to bring this musical to life.

Audience member, Thomas Winklehner was unable to stop raving about the performance after the lights had gone down, and proceeded to congratulate many of the cast members, as well as members of the crew for putting on such an enjoyable and seemingly professional production of a story that he has enjoyed ‘ever since he was a little boy,’ so he tells me.

All in all, I cannot be prouder of my younger sister, and I congratulate all the Year 6 pupils at Danes Hill School for creating such an amazing performance, and a worthwhile evening out.