Esler Burke

‘Twisted’, a sequel to the Dickens classic ‘Oliver’ - is the realisation of a dream for the established singer-songwriter.

He’s created something special, which is obvious in the calibre of top musical professionals who have come on board to help bring the play to stage.

The orchestration for the production has been arranged by Mark Dougherty, who was musical director for Riverdance for five years and has also worked with the likes of Van Morrison, Suzi Quatro, Johnny Mathis and Howard Keel.

Wilson Shields, another renowned figure in local theatre who served as musical director at the Grand Opera House for a number of years, is in charge of the musical supervision and additional lyrics.

To have such heavyweights from the world of theatre in his corner has meant the world to Esler.

It all started when he first saw the film Oliver with Ron Moody as Fagin in the Regal Cinema in his home town of Larne 20 years ago.

The movie captivated him and left him with a fascination for the story.

He says: "I went to see Oliver and was blown away by it. Lionel Bart, who created the music and lyrics, became my hero.

"Those great songs were just amazing and I read the book and went to see the theatre production and every production or film I could. I got into in my 50s and up until then I had never really discovered musical theatre, but I found that I loved it.

"That started me thinking of all the great films there are which have sequels and wondering why there was never a sequel to Oliver.

"I've written songs for years with my great friend Bill Allen, who sadly passed away two years ago, and I've made a few pounds from some of them.

"I found the spark to get me going on writing the script when I read the book. I was surprised to come across Oliver's half-brother Edward Leford, who did not appear in the film. He was 14 years older than Oliver and a lifelong criminal and he tries to get Oliver killed.

"I decided to take the story up when Oliver is 25, and create a new, fresh, but familiar storyline.

Si Wall

Si Wall is an award winning director, writer, and songwriter with over a decade of experience in the arts industry.

He is renowned for his ability to blend innovative storytelling with a keen understanding of audience engagement.

Si has written and directed a wide array of film and theatre productions across the UK and internationally, gaining a diverse repertoire that spans multiple genres and styles.

Having worked with both established theatre companies and emerging talent, Si possesses a unique ability to nurture creativity while maintaining high production standards. His strong leadership skills, combined with a collaborative approach, foster a creative environment where artists can thrive and contribute to a cohesive production.

Leighlou Harper

Leighlou Harper is an accomplished creative producer, and performer with over ten years of experience in the theatre industry. Leighlou specialises in original community theatre and cabaret productions which showcases local talent and promotes inclusivity.

Leighlou has worked in esteemed venues such as The Lowry, The Palace Theatre, and The Opera House, where she has developed a strong foundation in live event production and stage management. Her involvement in high-profile events like the Manchester International Festival, and the Sick Festival has further honed her ability to thrive in fast-paced environments that highlight her adaptability and problem-solving skills.

In addition to her work with established theatres, Leighlou founded her own theatre company, producing six original community productions. This entrepreneurial experience underscores her commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering a vibrant arts community.

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