Theatre Scholars Take on Oliver! with West End Director
BY DEAN CHISNALL, DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS
6 OCTOBER 2026
charterhouse news
Our Theatre Scholars had the opportunity to work with one of the West End’s leading practitioners last week, as Associate Director Sam Hiller joined them in the BTT for a specialist Oliver! workshop.
Currently an Associate Director on Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Oliver!, Sam brought a wealth of professional experience into the rehearsal room, alongside warmth, humour, and an infectious passion for musical theatre.
Working in small groups, the Scholars were immersed in a series of practical exercises designed to develop character, creativity, and confidence. Beginning with newspaper headlines, they created still images before developing them through improvisation into scenes. They then stepped into the world of Oliver!, exploring their own characters through movement, voice, and interaction, before bringing those characters together through Oom-Pah-Pah. The workshop culminated in Consider Yourself, with groups creating and choreographing their own sections of the number before coming together to perform.
Throughout the session, Sam challenged the Scholars to think differently, take risks, and respond instinctively, giving them an insight into the creative process and expectations of professional theatre.
L
Last night's workshop was not only fun and engaging but a great experience to learn from. We came out of it with not only a better grasp of performing but also more confidence and stage presence. Everyone really appreciated and enjoyed last night, and took a lot from the session.
SUMMER, REMOVE (YEAR 10)
L
Sam’s energy was infectious, but the Scholars gave that energy straight back.
DEAN CHISNALL, DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS
For Director of Performing Arts Dean Chisnall, it was the Scholars’ response to the opportunity that particularly stood out:
“Their attitude was every bit as impressive as their talent. They listened carefully, responded instinctively, and embraced every challenge. Sam brought extraordinary professional experience and energy into the room, and the Scholars gave that energy straight back.”
Experiences such as this are at the heart of the Theatre Scholars programme at Charterhouse: giving talented young performers access to outstanding practitioners, challenging them to develop their craft, and providing opportunities to discover what working at a professional level really demands.
Our thanks to Sam for sharing his expertise and enthusiasm with the Scholars, and for an evening in the BTT that will stay with them long after the final exercise.
