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Oliver Twist
The classic tale in 3D, like you’ve never heard it before.
An Audible Original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, executive produced by Academy-Award winning director Sam Mendes, with an original score by The Feeling’s Dan Gillespie Sells (Everyone’s Taking About Jamie), and with an all-star cast including Brian Cox (Succession) as Fagin, Daniel Kaluuya (Judas and the Black Messiah) as Bill Sikes, Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) as Nancy, Adeel Akhtar (Four Lions) as Mr Bumble, Lucian Msamati (Gangs of London) as Mr Brownlow, Paapa Essiedu (The Lazarus Project) as Toby Crackit, Kit Connor (Heartstopper) as Noah Claypole, Diane Morgan (Philomena Cunk) as Mrs Mann, Julia Davis (Nighty Night) as Mrs Sowerberry, Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso) as Mr Sowerberry and Patricia Allison (Sex Education) as Rose Maylie. And introducing Emilio Villa Muhammad as Oliver Twist and Elijah Wolf as the Artful Dodger.
Orphaned at birth, Oliver Twist is born into the grimmest of 19th century English workhouses with a life of grinding poverty ahead of him. But the boy is a fighter and after being evicted from the workhouse for asking for 'more' and surviving a stint as an undertaker’s assistant, he walks many miles to London and finds a whole new life with a gang of young pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger and their guardian Fagin.
Oliver’s adventures are only beginning as he finds his way into the home of wealthy Mr. Brownlow. Even there he is not safe, for Fagin and his even more dangerous colleague, the thief Bill Sikes, seek to snatch him back and lead him deeper into a life of crime. Only Nancy, Bill Sikes’ girlfriend, can ensure Oliver’s future safety, even if that puts her own life at risk. Full of twists and turns, the story moves towards a dramatic climax when murder prompts a manhunt and a final confrontation with the forces threatening Oliver’s future.
So put your headphones on, sit back and listen as this 19th century classic is brought to the most vivid, cinematic life in an epic, immersive audio drama.
Parental guidance is advised for younger listeners.
An Audible Original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, executive produced by Academy-Award winning director Sam Mendes, with an original score by The Feeling’s Dan Gillespie Sells (Everyone’s Taking About Jamie), and with an all-star cast including Brian Cox (Succession) as Fagin, Daniel Kaluuya (Judas and the Black Messiah) as Bill Sikes, Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) as Nancy, Adeel Akhtar (Four Lions) as Mr Bumble, Lucian Msamati (Gangs of London) as Mr Brownlow, Paapa Essiedu (The Lazarus Project) as Toby Crackit, Kit Connor (Heartstopper) as Noah Claypole, Diane Morgan (Philomena Cunk) as Mrs Mann, Julia Davis (Nighty Night) as Mrs Sowerberry, Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso) as Mr Sowerberry and Patricia Allison (Sex Education) as Rose Maylie. And introducing Emilio Villa Muhammad as Oliver Twist and Elijah Wolf as the Artful Dodger.
Orphaned at birth, Oliver Twist is born into the grimmest of 19th century English workhouses with a life of grinding poverty ahead of him. But the boy is a fighter and after being evicted from the workhouse for asking for 'more' and surviving a stint as an undertaker’s assistant, he walks many miles to London and finds a whole new life with a gang of young pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger and their guardian Fagin.
Oliver’s adventures are only beginning as he finds his way into the home of wealthy Mr. Brownlow. Even there he is not safe, for Fagin and his even more dangerous colleague, the thief Bill Sikes, seek to snatch him back and lead him deeper into a life of crime. Only Nancy, Bill Sikes’ girlfriend, can ensure Oliver’s future safety, even if that puts her own life at risk. Full of twists and turns, the story moves towards a dramatic climax when murder prompts a manhunt and a final confrontation with the forces threatening Oliver’s future.
So put your headphones on, sit back and listen as this 19th century classic is brought to the most vivid, cinematic life in an epic, immersive audio drama.
Parental guidance is advised for younger listeners.
Audible Audio
Published November 30, 2022
About the author
Charles Dickens
13.1k books31.8k followersCharles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.
Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.
Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.
On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.
(from Wikipedia)
Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.
Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.
On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 2, 2023
This is an extraordinary audio adaptation of one of my favourite classics.
The production and direction are outstanding!
The sound is of the high quality, with 3D sound (what we used to call surround sound?) that made me jump out of my chair or look over my shoulder.
It’s a “movie on tape” with terrific characterization.
Now, this is not an audiobook that you can say that you have read the book (of course, you can fool yourself). This adaptation will give you a knowledge of the storyline.
I do recommend reading the book in full or try the unabridged audiobook (there are plenty of different editions available).
The production and direction are outstanding!
The sound is of the high quality, with 3D sound (what we used to call surround sound?) that made me jump out of my chair or look over my shoulder.
It’s a “movie on tape” with terrific characterization.
Now, this is not an audiobook that you can say that you have read the book (of course, you can fool yourself). This adaptation will give you a knowledge of the storyline.
I do recommend reading the book in full or try the unabridged audiobook (there are plenty of different editions available).
December 12, 2022
داستان الیور توییست رو خیلی سال پیش خوندم و به نظرم یکی از کلیشه ای ترین داستانهایی بود که میشد خوند
ولی لامصب این اجرا چقدر خوب بود. چقدر قابل لمس و قشنگ
در این حد که دو سه جا نشستم گریه کردم
دوست داشتمش
ولی لامصب این اجرا چقدر خوب بود. چقدر قابل لمس و قشنگ
در این حد که دو سه جا نشستم گریه کردم
دوست داشتمش
January 24, 2023
Great way to get to know classics. Loved it! 🥰 Now ready for musical 'Oliver!'
October 11, 2023
I'm sure I would not rate the book 5 stars, because let's be honest here, it's Dickens. He likes to drag on a bit. I've never read the full length novel, and I'm sure it's great, but this dramatic audio book performance gets all the stars. The production gives off a very ominous and spooky feel, which worked well for an October listen. The entire cast did a fantastic job with bringing this classic to life, and I was so drawn in it felt like I was right there with the characters on the streets of Victorian London. If you've never read the book, but eventually plan to "get around to it", I highly recommend going this route.
December 31, 2022
This isn’t something I would usually read but it was trending on Twitter as racists were triggered that Oliver was voiced by a young black actor! For this reason I added it to my TBR list so I could give a honest review and counter the bigots! This was a great adaptation of a classic, the voice acting was great and the use of sound affects added to the story.
P.s to all the racists Dickensian England was diverse so pick up a history book next time!
P.s to all the racists Dickensian England was diverse so pick up a history book next time!
January 12, 2023
A very abridged dramatisation.
I picked it up because I am fond of Brian Cox, but I'm afraid this doesn't have a patch on the original novel. I found the music, sound effects and characters all speaking at different speeds (makes it hard to set the right listening speed!) extremely annoying.
If you love radio plays, you may enjoy this for what it is, but for everyone else, I'd recommend sticking to the original!
I picked it up because I am fond of Brian Cox, but I'm afraid this doesn't have a patch on the original novel. I found the music, sound effects and characters all speaking at different speeds (makes it hard to set the right listening speed!) extremely annoying.
If you love radio plays, you may enjoy this for what it is, but for everyone else, I'd recommend sticking to the original!
January 19, 2026
Entertaining adaptation of the classic story by Dickens.
I admit that I never made it through the original book. Thought I’d give this audible full cast dramatized version a try. I know it’s no substitute for the ‘real deal,’ but it’s an interesting approach to the story. It’s mostly just the dialogue and sound effects, so it misses the rich nuances of descriptions. But honestly, the overly descriptive writing in some classics is what drags it out and makes me dread reading them - so this helps pull me into the story and gives the feel without extra wording. The story is kind of sad and depressing. This version still gives those sad details but in a more entertaining way (as has been done with musical adaptations etc.).
If you like full cast audio dramatizations this does a good job.
(Review more of this adaptation than of the original story. Maybe I shouldn’t include these audios on goodreads but this is how I keep track of what I’ve read & listened to.)
I admit that I never made it through the original book. Thought I’d give this audible full cast dramatized version a try. I know it’s no substitute for the ‘real deal,’ but it’s an interesting approach to the story. It’s mostly just the dialogue and sound effects, so it misses the rich nuances of descriptions. But honestly, the overly descriptive writing in some classics is what drags it out and makes me dread reading them - so this helps pull me into the story and gives the feel without extra wording. The story is kind of sad and depressing. This version still gives those sad details but in a more entertaining way (as has been done with musical adaptations etc.).
If you like full cast audio dramatizations this does a good job.
(Review more of this adaptation than of the original story. Maybe I shouldn’t include these audios on goodreads but this is how I keep track of what I’ve read & listened to.)
March 23, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Very cool audio book to listen to, it was very engaging. Loved the story of Oliver Twist!
Very cool audio book to listen to, it was very engaging. Loved the story of Oliver Twist!
March 30, 2023
Loved this Audible Original version by Sam Mendes. The full cast actors and sound effects were phenomenal. It was like a movie for my ears. Makes me want to pick up the physical book sooner rather than later.
52Books2023 Reading Challenge: Featuring an inheritance
52Books2023 Reading Challenge: Featuring an inheritance
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December 12, 2022While I've never read the novel (I think I started it as a kid but didn't get very far), I thought I was relatively familiar with the story; I'd seen the musical on the West End, and we had the tape of the soundtrack in the car when I was growing up; I've also seen Oliver & Company, which is surely a slavishly faithful adaptation, right?
While I'm obviously slightly kidding, I really did think that the musical at least was relatively true to the original. Little did I know that it significantly simplifies the plot; even with that it mind, I had forgotten some of what it kept, namely the part at the undertaker's.
There may be a reason why two of the three most well-known adaptations of this novel add a whole bunch of song-and-dance numbers and considerably up the comic relief. This is a miserable story, and the first act in particular is very hard work to get through; I almost gave up at a couple of points. In some ways this is a timely story; amid the worsening cost of living crisis in the UK, more and more people are struggling to keep themselves warm and fed. I'm not unaffected, writing this between a hot water bottle and an electric blanket on a freezing night rather than have the heating on too long. The story is sympathetic to the poor, and satirical of the institutions that fail them, while still ultimately imagining that the solution will be rich benefactors rather than class solidarity. I don't blame Dickens; he was writing agitprop aimed at the middle and upper classes, trying to spread awareness of the conditions in workhouses and effect changes in legislation and attitudes; he was critiquing the New Poor Law which had been instituted a few years before. What bothers me is that, more than 200 years later, we're still repeating the same story.
Marty Ross, as usual, does try to add some nuance, particularly in the final confrontation between Oliver and Fagin and in the coda; he inserts a plea for the poor who are not so lucky as Oliver to have benefactors, and tries to establish Oliver as a symbol of hope for the disenfranchised. But hope isn't enough; children still go hungry, and the poor are still failed by institutions and by the powerful. Our lives are still in the hands of the rich elite, as our millionaire Prime Minister tells us hard decisions need to be made for the greater good after years of austerity have made the gap between rich and poor wider than ever, and as the incompetence of his colleagues has led to thousands of needless deaths. As good an adaptation of Oliver Twist as this is, we need to start telling a new story about how we can lift ourselves out of poverty, not due to the largesse of the wealthy but through claiming the power that is rightfully ours.
While I'm obviously slightly kidding, I really did think that the musical at least was relatively true to the original. Little did I know that it significantly simplifies the plot; even with that it mind, I had forgotten some of what it kept, namely the part at the undertaker's.
There may be a reason why two of the three most well-known adaptations of this novel add a whole bunch of song-and-dance numbers and considerably up the comic relief. This is a miserable story, and the first act in particular is very hard work to get through; I almost gave up at a couple of points. In some ways this is a timely story; amid the worsening cost of living crisis in the UK, more and more people are struggling to keep themselves warm and fed. I'm not unaffected, writing this between a hot water bottle and an electric blanket on a freezing night rather than have the heating on too long. The story is sympathetic to the poor, and satirical of the institutions that fail them, while still ultimately imagining that the solution will be rich benefactors rather than class solidarity. I don't blame Dickens; he was writing agitprop aimed at the middle and upper classes, trying to spread awareness of the conditions in workhouses and effect changes in legislation and attitudes; he was critiquing the New Poor Law which had been instituted a few years before. What bothers me is that, more than 200 years later, we're still repeating the same story.
Marty Ross, as usual, does try to add some nuance, particularly in the final confrontation between Oliver and Fagin and in the coda; he inserts a plea for the poor who are not so lucky as Oliver to have benefactors, and tries to establish Oliver as a symbol of hope for the disenfranchised. But hope isn't enough; children still go hungry, and the poor are still failed by institutions and by the powerful. Our lives are still in the hands of the rich elite, as our millionaire Prime Minister tells us hard decisions need to be made for the greater good after years of austerity have made the gap between rich and poor wider than ever, and as the incompetence of his colleagues has led to thousands of needless deaths. As good an adaptation of Oliver Twist as this is, we need to start telling a new story about how we can lift ourselves out of poverty, not due to the largesse of the wealthy but through claiming the power that is rightfully ours.
April 13, 2023
The voice actors did an outstanding job with this. They were absolutely superb.
The adaptation annoyed me. I've never actually read Oliver Twist, so I thought this might be a good introduction to it. It was okay, but I had to remind myself that it was just an adaptation, and that Charles Dickens is much more involved in his stories. Some of the connections made were abrupt and confusing, while others left me completely in the dark as to how they could have happened at all. People seemed to jump to impossible conclusions that, of course, turned out to be correct. I know that in the original book, Dickens would have made it all make sense and seem like a natural consequence rather than an impossible leap. Oliver's life seemed to be made up entirely of luck and everything that happened to him seemed to be rather too much of a coincidence to be a mere coincidence. It all felt really contrived. I don't know if that's a side effect of the adaptation or if it was what Dickens' wrote. I didn't particularly care for the story.
The adaptation annoyed me. I've never actually read Oliver Twist, so I thought this might be a good introduction to it. It was okay, but I had to remind myself that it was just an adaptation, and that Charles Dickens is much more involved in his stories. Some of the connections made were abrupt and confusing, while others left me completely in the dark as to how they could have happened at all. People seemed to jump to impossible conclusions that, of course, turned out to be correct. I know that in the original book, Dickens would have made it all make sense and seem like a natural consequence rather than an impossible leap. Oliver's life seemed to be made up entirely of luck and everything that happened to him seemed to be rather too much of a coincidence to be a mere coincidence. It all felt really contrived. I don't know if that's a side effect of the adaptation or if it was what Dickens' wrote. I didn't particularly care for the story.
March 6, 2023
I understand the argument that adapting classic works of fiction into shorter, more digestible forms makes them accessible to new, and wider, audiences. I also congratulate Sam Mendes (one of my favourite directors) on an engaging and immersive piece of aural theatre. The casting is excellent, the sound effects enhance the experience, and I find the eponymous hero particularly endearing in this version.
The fact remains, however, that Dickens reduced to scraps of dialogue is a far poorer offering than his original texts. No wealth of sound effects and Hollywood stars, however excellent, can substitute for the richness of Dickens' character portraits, his vivid descriptions of London, and his delicate admixture of comedy and pathos. This adaptation should serve as an introduction, or an enriching companion, to Dickens' primary texts, but never as an alternative to them.
The fact remains, however, that Dickens reduced to scraps of dialogue is a far poorer offering than his original texts. No wealth of sound effects and Hollywood stars, however excellent, can substitute for the richness of Dickens' character portraits, his vivid descriptions of London, and his delicate admixture of comedy and pathos. This adaptation should serve as an introduction, or an enriching companion, to Dickens' primary texts, but never as an alternative to them.
February 17, 2023
*didn’t know whether to include this as it’s an adaptation*
v abridged version: only dialogue so kinda feels like a radio play. mostly enjoyed as it’s a story i’ve loved for years + mostly good voice acting (although different talking speeds was a bit annoying)
i find it strange that the character of Rose doesn’t appear in most of the visual adaptations i’ve seen, especially as she acts as a model for Oliver of an orphan living the more luxurious life that he suddenly finds himself in.
v abridged version: only dialogue so kinda feels like a radio play. mostly enjoyed as it’s a story i’ve loved for years + mostly good voice acting (although different talking speeds was a bit annoying)
i find it strange that the character of Rose doesn’t appear in most of the visual adaptations i’ve seen, especially as she acts as a model for Oliver of an orphan living the more luxurious life that he suddenly finds himself in.
November 14, 2024
I’ve not read the original book but from what I know of the plot of Oliver Twist this is a good adaptation of the story.
Even if I did think that Oliver sounded a little bit too young. But granted I have no idea how a nine year old sounds anymore.
As enjoyable as this version is I feel like it tries to be a bit too cinematic in places and a narrator may have helped make it a bit more obvious rather than have character talk to themselves.
Even if I did think that Oliver sounded a little bit too young. But granted I have no idea how a nine year old sounds anymore.
As enjoyable as this version is I feel like it tries to be a bit too cinematic in places and a narrator may have helped make it a bit more obvious rather than have character talk to themselves.
April 2, 2025
This adaptation was beautifully narrated and the sound effects really made for a great listen. It is however abridged, so it won’t be the full Oliver Twist story. That being said, I loved it and would definitely recommend this version if you’re in the mood for a condensed classic.
Would also suggest making sure you have good quality headphones bc the surround sound is really cool. I noticed a difference between listening to it in my car vs Bose headphones.
Would also suggest making sure you have good quality headphones bc the surround sound is really cool. I noticed a difference between listening to it in my car vs Bose headphones.
May 21, 2024
I don't know why I keep doing this to myself. I really don't like the full sound Audible productions, since I think the background music and sound effects detract from the story. However, the actors in this one were very good.
Of course, this was the Cliff Notes version of Oliver Twist, and much of Dickens' wit is missing.
Of course, this was the Cliff Notes version of Oliver Twist, and much of Dickens' wit is missing.
March 15, 2025
I’ve never read the book. In review after review after reading The Goldfinch, Boris is compared to the Artful Dodger. Looking for an audiobook version this was highly recommended by The Guardian. But either this version seriously underdevelops Dodger or I don’t get the association with Boris - a richly developed, funny and important character in the story.
February 7, 2023
An interesting and well performed adaptation, though so much has been cut it felt rather on the short side. It's a miserable story, but it lingers through creative (and usually musical) retelling, so I'm happy people are still doing it!
March 23, 2023
I've enjoyed the entire book before and also enjoyed this immersive audio adaptation. I was in the middle of the action as the sounds went from one ear to the other and definitely kept my attention. It was very well done and very heartfelt and dramatic.
April 14, 2023
Haven't read the book in ages, but I'd recommend this audio drama for Brian Cox's performance alone. The rest of the cast is also in good shape, but I feel that something is missing from this adaptation.
July 6, 2023
Great performance from the cast and the producer did a great job on this audio play!
I knocked a star off because I didn't like the story itself as much, and I would definitely not consider this a children's book, like I was made to believe previously.
I knocked a star off because I didn't like the story itself as much, and I would definitely not consider this a children's book, like I was made to believe previously.
December 18, 2023
I promised myself that I would never read another Dickens but then Kit Connor had to go be in this one so I had to. Thankfully this was super abridged. Still, Great Expectations had a better version of basically this same plot IMO and I hated that book.
January 10, 2026
The sinister evil of Bill Sikes is probably the best part, as Dickens generally seemed to have more fun portraying his villains than his heroes. But Mr Brownlow and Rose come across as more interesting here than they did when I read the book. 3.5 stars.
December 20, 2022
3.5 stars
A short listen, an interesting adaptation of this classic, well performed
A short listen, an interesting adaptation of this classic, well performed
January 4, 2023
A very abridged dramatization of a classic. Enjoyed this short audio, but I wouldn't read the book. I think I'd find it quite boring but this audio version is quite engaging.
July 10, 2023
Free on audible. A condensed 3 hour version of Oliver Twist with fabulous dramatization!
August 14, 2023
A good 3D production of Oliver Twist. It felt like old time radio.
September 6, 2023
This Audible Original was a bit short, but impeccably acted, with a high production value, and very enjoyable.
December 17, 2023
This was so good. It was really immersive and great to hear such a well-loved story presented in a refreshing way.
January 4, 2024
A modern adaptation of the original novel. Set in the same timeline and the same characters, but with more of an Oliver Twist! Pun intended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews