A re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic Oliver Twist by one of the best-loved figures in the children’s book world will be performed at Malvern next month.

Unexpected Twist, written by Michael Rosen, will be at Malvern Theatres from Tuesday, May 9 to Saturday, May 13.

Adapted for the stage by BAFTA award-winning playwright Roy Williams (Soul, Sucker Punch), with original music by rising R&B star Yaya Bey and BAC Beatbox Academy’s Conrad Murray, Unexpected Twist is a new production.

Shona and her class are studying Oliver Twist. She’s new in school and keeps finding herself in trouble – much like Oliver himself! When she’s given a new phone by a stranger, she begins to suspect there’s something fishy about the new kids she’s met.

Directed by James Dacre with design by Frankie Bradshaw’s, Unexpected Twist brings to vivid life the worlds of both Shona and Oliver, as their stories twist together.

Michael Rosen said: “I have always been a huge lover of theatre and the dramatic arts. I believe in the power and value of live performance and rate it as an equal to all the other literary activities. "I can't describe what a thrill it is for me to know Unexpected Twist is going to be a play.

"I've already seen a draft script and it leapt off the page. I could immediately 'see' it as being a funny, tough, edgy, contemporary, powerful show. I am desperate to see it.”

Roy Williams, who has adapted the story for stage, said: “If there is no children’s theatre, there will be no theatre at all in years to come.

"It is essential theatre gets them early. It’s the opportunity for them to express themselves.

"Unexpected Twist is a story about young people for young people! That is how I felt when I first read Oliver Twist when I was a child. Those are always the best stories to hear.”

Musician Yaya Bey, said: “Working on Unexpected Twist has been such a pleasure. Everyone has been so kind and willing to collaborate.

"I wasn’t sure how I would relate to the story coming from the States, but there is such an emphasis on important issues that transcend culture barriers, and it has made it easy for me to pull from my experience.”

Conrad Murray, whose is behind the music, said: “Working on this show is like assembling The Avengers! The creative team is top notch, and the cast are incredible.

"I love that it takes Oliver Twist as a story about poverty, which seems to tell a story about our current times. Being able to bring beatbox, hip hop and grime to the show is sick, as it helps modernize the story and create a new language and theatrical form on the stage. Can’t wait for audiences to see and hear it.”

Unexpected Twist follows The Children’s Theatre Partnership’s hugely successful production of Robert Icke’s Animal Farm, a reimagined version led entirely by puppets, which toured nationally from February 2022.