Oliver Twist

American  

noun

1. a novel (1838) by Dickens.

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Oliver Twist Cultural  

1. (1838) A novel by Charles Dickens; the title character is an orphan boy. In one famous scene, Oliver is severely punished for asking for more gruel, or porridge (“Please, sir, I want some more”). Oliver later becomes a pickpocket in a gang of young thieves led by Fagin. Violent in plot, the book exposes the inadequacies of British public institutions for dealing with the poverty of children like Oliver.

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Example Sentences

Originally seen in the U.K., where it won two Olivier Awards, including one for Mr. Holden’s performance, the show has transferred to off-Broadway’s Lucille Lortel Theatre.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Having won two Tony and Olivier Awards for his work on stage, Pryce added "more investment and encouragement" was needed in Welsh theatre.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

The Olivier Awards organisation, which recognise excellence in theatre, said West End theatres would dim their lights for two minutes at 19:00 BST on 2 December to remember the playwright.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2025

In a post on X, it said Sir Tom had won three Olivier Awards and five Tony awards - for Broadway theatre - as well as the Oscar for Shakespeare in Love.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2025

He won five Tony Awards for best play and two Laurence Olivier Awards for best new play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025