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The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver!'

The audition process - Davy first auditioned for the role as the Artful Dodger in the new musical 'Oliver!' before he landed the role as Michael in Peter Pan. The first time around, Davy's Manchester accent slipped through whilst doing the audition, although he made a good impression - they said that if he could improve his cockney accent then the part was his. As Davy recalls "I remember singing "Consider Yourself" and complaining to my sister Beryl about the key. I walked out on the stage, not fully realising what a big deal it was to actually get a chance to audition. There were lots of kids in London who could do the part. But I sang out loud and it felt good. It was a great treat to be in a theatre like that, but I honestly didn't want the part. Certainly didn't expect to get it."

After completing the 6 week tour of Peter Pan, Davy went back for the 2nd audition for the Artful Dodger, by which time he'd worked on his accent, and got the part. On May 7th, 1962, Davy opened as the Dodger at London’s New Theatre. By November, Producer David Merrick had decided to integrate Davy into the Broadway production of Oliver! Davy made his Broadway debut on December 17th at New York City’s Imperial Theatre. This run became a runaway success and the following year, Davy snagged a Tony Award nomination for his role in Oliver!

Photos Courtesy of Abby Alterio Davy Devotees

Davy’s work in Oliver! continued throughout 1964 and early ’65 (including a legendary promotional appearance alongside the Beatles on television’s Ed Sullivan Show). After his Broadway run, Davy took his role on the road with stops in Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee and Chicago.

All Photos of the page Courtesy of Abby Alterio Davy Devotees