Script

SIDE 1

DODGER

Tired?

OLIVER

Yes. I've been walking seven days.

DODGER

Seven days?! Who are you running away from then? Your old man?

OLIVER

No, I'm an orphan. I've come to London to make my fortune.

DODGER

(suddenly very interested)

Oh you have, have ya.

OLIVER

Yes.

DODGER

Got any lodgings?

OLIVER

No.

DODGER

Money?

OLIVER

Not a farthing. Do you live in London?

DODGER

When I'm at home. I suppose you want some place to sleep tonight, don't you? Are you accommodated?

OLIVER

No, I don't think so...

DODGER

Then accommodated you shall be me young mate.

(He eyes OLIVER speculatively.)

There's a certain place and I know a respectable old gentleman as lives there, what'll give you lodging's for nothing. Mister Fagin. That's his name. Mister Fagin. By the way if I'm introducing you to Fagin, I better know who you are, me old china.

END

 

SIDE 2

DODGER

Mr. Twist has come to London to seek his fortune.

FAGIN

You've come to London to seek your fortune. We must see what we can do to help you. Are you hungry?

OLIVER

Starving.

FAGIN

Would you like a sausage?

DODGER

Hey Fagin! These sausages are moldy!

(OLIVER is looking at the handkerchiefs hung throughout the room.)

FAGIN

Ah! You're a-staring at the pocket handkerchiefs! There are quite a few of 'em ain't there? We've just hung 'em out, ready for the wash. The wash, that's all, Oliver, that's all.

OLIVER

Is this a laundry then, sir?

(The GANG roars with laughter.)

FAGIN

Well, not exactly, my dear. I suppose a laundry would be a very nice thing indeed, but our line of business pays a little better. Don't it boys?

GANG

I'll say it does!

FAGIN

You see, Oliver…

END

SIDE 3

FAGIN

Oh ladies, I forgot, you must meet our new lodger, Master Oliver Twist Esquire.

(NANCY and BET curtsey. OLIVER bows solemnly.)

NANCY

Charmed!

BET

Pleased to meet you, I'm sure.

(OLIVER bows. The GANG laughs and cat calls. OLIVER looks at them, hurt and angry. NANCY, seeing this, immediately takes his part.)

NANCY

Don't you take no notice of 'em Oliver. Just 'cause you've got manners and they ain't.

(to GANG)

You wouldn't know quality if you saw it, none of you. Dodger!

DODGER

Yeah?

NANCY

Have you seen the way them quality gentlemen treats their ladies?

DODGER

Of course I have.

NANCY

Shall we show them how it's done?

DODGER

Definitely!

NANCY

So how's it go then Dodger?

END

 

SIDE 4

SIKES

Somebody must find out what's been done, or said. If he hasn't talked yet, there's still a chance we might get him back without suspicion. We'll nab him the very moment he dares to step out of that house. Now who's gonna go?

(They all look around at each other.)

DODGER

I suppose it'll have to be me-

FAGIN

You shut your trap, Dodger. You've caused enough trouble.

(He looks at NANCY.)

It's got to be done quiet. We don't want any fuss.

(smirking at NANCY)

The very thing! Nancy my dear, you're so good with the boy.

NANCY

It's no good trying it on with me.

(SIKES crosses to her menacingly.)

SIKES

And just what do you mean by that remark?

(NANCY looks at SIKES.)

NANCY

What I say, Bill. I'm not going. Why can't you leave the boy alone? He won't do you no harm. Why can't you leave him where he is, where he'll get the chance of a decent life?

SIKES

You'll get him back here my girl. Or else.

END