Award winning musical theatre company, Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust (BOST), are performing the family favourite musical ‘Oliver!’ next month at the Royal Court theatre, Liverpool.
The title role is being brought to life by 12-year-old Cole Boon, with 12 other talented local boys performing alongside him in Fagin’s Gang.
Leading the gang is 14-year-old Brian Comer, in the role of the Artful Dodger, who also appeared in BOST’s 2012 production of the same musical.
Between these productions of ‘Oliver!’, at age 11, Brian made his West End debut starring as Bruce Bogtrotter in Tim Minchin’s ‘Matilda The Musical’, at the Cambridge Theatre in London.
Brian said: “Hundreds of boys from all over the UK auditioned for the role. When I got down to the final three I was really nervous because I had to perform a song, script and dance routine.
“When I was told that I’d got the role I was so excited and I couldn’t wait to get started.”
The youngster moved to London for rehearsals on January 11th, 2015 and was home schooled alongside some of the other child performers.
Unlike Bruce Bogtrotter in the film version of ‘Matilda’, Brian was not required to eat a whole giant chocolate cake, however he did have to eat two small pieces during each performance. He also had to wear a ‘fat suit’ and perform a solo song at the end of the show.
Brian went on to perform the role for nearly a year with over 50 performances under his belt.
When asked where Brian’s interest in musical theatre stemmed from, his supportive mum Clare said: “His first on-stage experience came at the tender age of seven, when he played the role of Chip in BOST’s production of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
“Through BOST rehearsals, Brian learnt the discipline required for the theatre which has stood him in good stead for what he’s since gone on to achieve.”
BOST’s Director, Elsie Kelly, said: “I could see potential in Brian from a young age.
“It’s rewarding to see how much he has grown in confidence and to see his enthusiasm for the stage go from strength to strength.”
Brian will be performing as the Artful Dodger in BOST’s production of ‘Oliver!’ alongside a 50-strong cast, from 9-12 November at Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool.
Tickets start from £15 with family and group discounts available, and can be purchased from the theatre Box Office:
http://www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk/whats-on/oliver/