Dodger is a funny, optimistic, fast-paced comedy drama full of jeopardy, set before the events of Charles Dickens’ iconic novel, Oliver Twist. There are some familiar characters and a whole gallery of colourful, new ones. Each episode is a standalone adventure brought together at the end of the series with some dramatic reveals and surprises.
The creators and writers of Dodger, Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery introduce Dodger
Watch Dodger on C±«Óãtv and ±«ÓãtviPlayer from Sunday 6th February at 5.30pm
Watch a preview of Dodger
Lucy
This series is different because we have taken elements of Dickens and created a whole world of our own around it, which includes wonderful fresh characters and twists. It’s a show that everybody can watch.
Rhys
I would describe Dodger as an historical comedy adventure series for the whole family. It is funny, dramatic, sometimes sad but, the main thing is, it moves very quickly. It's a very fast paced action-adventure series with a lot of laughs. It takes familiar characters and gives them a new life within its own original story. I don't know what Charles Dickens would think, but we've created our own backstory for these characters.
Lucy
We weren’t really interested in Oliver Twist as a character - let’s be honest, no-one really likes a goody two shoes! We've kept the fun ones and really developed the more known characters, adding a fresh perspective and life to the series. The odds are stacked against the gang, so if they don't knit together and if they don't live by their wits, that'll be it for them. The kids really drive the plots too. We see them being cleverer than the adults and the kids always come through… ready for the next challenge ahead!
Rhys Thomas plays PC Duff and is creator, writer, director and executive producer on the series. Lucy Montgomery plays Minnie Bilge (Fagin’s landlady) and is a writer and executive producer on the series.
What was it like working with your partner?
Lucy
I think the main thing is that you don’t have to pussyfoot around each other. If you go ‘that doesn't work’, no-one gets offended. You can just sweep aside bad lines, it doesn't matter who wrote them (although it’s usually me!)
Rhys
When we write together, it’s easy because we both make each other laugh, which is the important thing. Living together means that you can always talk about the programme and generate ideas at any time of day.
Watch as the writers Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery introduce Dodger.
Can you talk us through the casting process for Dodger?
Rhys
When we started casting for Dodger it was during lockdown, so we couldn't meet any of the actors in person. Normally you would meet them and get a feel from them and you’d maybe do a workshop or a chemistry casting with all of them. That would have been the ideal situation but we had none of that at all. For example, with Billy who plays Dodger, it was very important to get cast who were in sync with him, such as Aabay who plays Charley. Therefore, we had to put them side-by-side on Zoom and do a casting. We got a really good sense of ‘this could be quite good’, you know!
Obviously, the key was the casting of Dodger and Billy is unbelievable. He is so enthusiastic and so full of fun. He could do everything just right. It all came so naturally. Also, with everyone who came on the set, every actor, whether it be Christopher Eccleston, Alex Kingston or Andy Nyman, Billy held his own alongside them!
Lucy
Billy gave a very nuanced performance. He could do the comedy, the tragedy and he always came on set with an amazing energy and attitude. It was such a pleasure working with him.
Jack Dawkins / Dodger (BILLY JENKINS), Fagin (CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON), Polly Crackitt (ELLIE-MAY SHERIDAN), Charley Bates (AABAY ALI), Tom Chitling (CONNOR CURREN), Tang (MILA LIEU) Image Credit: ±«Óãtv / NBC Universal / Richard Lewisohn
How will Dodger resonate with children?
Lucy
I think it will really resonate with children, particularly those who may not feel like they belong. Everybody in the gang is an outcast and have found themselves alone, feeling like they don't have family around them and that they're not really understood. With this motley crew of young people, they find a home and find a place. They also find the confidence to strike out on their own. They're literally using their ingenuity, taking opportunities when they come, feeling scared, but going for it anyway, as we all have to do in life. They don't betray each other and are really there for each other.
Rhys
Someone like Dodger doesn't always get it right and he does make lots of mistakes. But the whole point about Dodger is that he’s trying his best all the time. I always say to myself in life, ‘it doesn't matter if you get wonderful grades, the key thing is to try your hardest’. It doesn't matter if you fail as long as you're doing it for the right reasons or trying your best.
With Dodger, it doesn't always work out, but it doesn't matter if he's still trying… and sometimes he wins by accident!
Lucy
These kids don't even know if their names are real or where they come from. They've all got their own origins to form out of their own strength and power. And actually, you know, we've got Ellie-May playing Polly, who physically is very petite and yet she is the scrappiest and the fighter. It's our way of saying, ‘you don't have to be Superman to be a winner’!