Dodger (TV series)
Dodger is a British children's television series, inspired by the Artful Dodger from the Oliver Twist novel by Charles Dickens. The series serves as a prequel to the events of Oliver Twist. The first 5 episodes were made available on BBC iPlayer on 6 February 2022, after the first episode premiered on CBBC in the United Kingdom, repeats of the first series were also aired on BBC One. Premise Set in 1830s Victorian London, the series revolves around Jack Dawkins, better known as the Artful Dodger, and his exploits as part of Fagin's gang, prior to his introduction in the Oliver Twist novel. Cast Main Billy Jenkins as Jack Dawkins/Dodger Christopher Eccleston as Fagin Aabay Ali as Charley Bates Ellie-May Sheridan as Polly Crackitt Mila Lieu as Tang Connor Curren as Tom Chitling David Threlfall as Chief of Police, Sir Charles Rowan (Series 1) Sam C. Wilson as Bill Sikes Rhys Thomas as PC Duff Javone Prince as PC Blathers Lucy Montgomery as Minnie Bilge, Fagin’s landlady Recurring Aron von Andrian as Prince Albert Lorraine Bruce as Mrs Grundles Saira Choudhry as Nancy Alex Kingston as Lucifer Tanya Reynolds as Queen Victoria Lenny Rush as Morgan/The Crossing Sweeper Production In May 2021, it was announced in a press release that CBBC had commissioned a ten-part series, following the Artful Dodger's exploits, to be produced by NBCUniversal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. Principal photography for the first series took place in Manchester and various locations around North West England. Shooting for the fifth episode took place at Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Production on three special episodes took place over the summer of 2022 and wrapped in Bristol in September. Filming took place at Bristol's The Bottle Yard Studios and on location in the city. Music The series features original music written by Joel Cadbury and Will Harper. Release The first 5 episodes were made available on BBC iPlayer on 6 February 2022, after the first episode premiered on CBBC in the United Kingdom, with episodes airing weekly on the CBBC channel. Episodes 6–10 were later made available on BBC iPlayer on 13 March 2022, after the sixth episode aired on CBBC. The first series started airing weekly on the BBC's flagship channel, BBC One, from 13 March 2022. The first two episodes in a series of three one-off specials premiered on the CBBC channel on 27 November and 4 December 2022. The third special premiered on the CBBC channel on 7 April 2023. NBCUniversal Global Distribution is handling international sales for the show. Reception The first series was the most watched CBBC commissioned programme between September 2021 and September 2022. Awards and nominations References External links 2020s British children's television series 2022 British television series debuts British children's drama television series BBC children's television shows English-language television shows Television series set in the 1830s Television shows set in London Television series about orphans CBBC shows Television shows based on Oliver Twist Television series by Universal Television