Oliver Twist - Drama Special

19 December 2007 @ 8-8.30pm on BBC ONE

Timothy Spall, Tom Hardy and Sophie Okonedo head an all-star cast, including Edward Fox, Sarah Lancashire, Gregor Fisher, Anna Massey and John Sessions, in the gripping tale of Oliver Twist, adapted for BBC One by Sarah Phelps – one of Britain's most dynamic television writers (EastEnders).

Oliver's life starts inauspiciously. The son of an unmarried mother, who dies shortly after his birth, Oliver's closest family are the workhouse board and their plans for his future do not stretch much beyond starving him to death with pitiful rations of gruel. But Oliver's a fighter, and, after a courageous rebellion when he dares to ask for more, Oliver is cast out and forced to make his own way in the world.

On arriving in London, Oliver meets The Artful Dodger and is drawn into the dark and murky underworld of Fagin and his gang. Thrilling adventures involving the brutal Sikes, the beautiful Nancy and the mysterious Mr Monks bring Oliver perilously close to death, but hope appears in the form of Mr Brownlow – a generous benefactor with links to Oliver's past.

Kate Harwood, BBC Head of Drama Series and Serials, says: "BBC Drama Productions is thrilled to be bringing to the screen Sarah Phelps's bold adaptation of Oliver Twist. Directed by Coky Giedroyc with a great cast line-up, this production will have a modern edge – a darkly thrilling, joyous treat for the viewers."

Fagin is played by Timothy Spall, Bill Sikes by Tom Hardy, Nancy by Sophie Okonedo, Mr Monks by Julian Rhind-Tutt, Mr Brownlow by Edward Fox, Mr Fang by Rob Brydon, Mr Bumble by Gregor Fisher, Mrs Corney by Sarah Lancashire, Mrs Bedwin, Mr Brownlow's trusted housekeeper, by Anna Massey, undertaker Mr Sowerberry by John Sessions, Mrs Sowerberry, a woman with a penchant for hats, by Michelle Gomez, Rose by Morven Christie and Sally by Nicola Walker.

The infamous Artful Dodger is played by newcomer Adam Arnold and William Miller is cast in his first major lead role as Oliver Twist.