Virgin Queen director plans BBC Oliver Twist series

Published Wednesday 25 April 2007 at 13:15 by Matthew Hemley

Exclusive: Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist is to be dramatised by the BBC in a “fresh and modern” adaptation that follows the success of 2005’s Bleak House.

The novel, which tells the story of an orphan who becomes involved with a group of pickpockets, is expected to air as a series on BBC1 next year.

Fear of Fanny and The Virgin Queen director Coky Giedroyc has been lined up to lead the production, which is being made in-house by BBC Drama. It will be produced by Sarah Brown, with filming expected to start in the summer. Casting has not yet been announced.

The series will see Giedroyc reunited with costume designer Amy Roberts, who designed and made the clothes worn in The Virgin Queen.

Roberts, who was recognised at the recent Bafta Craft Awards, told The Stage: “It will have a fresh and modern feel. But, the producer has told us that we have to be aware of the fact people love the story and will want an old friend, so it’s going to have to be a fine balance.”

A spokeswoman for the BBC confirmed the project was in development but said a date had not been set for its broadcast.