The Best Audition Songs for Oliver! – By Character
When considering audition songs for Oliver!, it’s fitting to choose a theatrical song from classic musical theatre repertoire that aligns with the tone of the show and suits your vocal type. Always refer to the audition notice for specific guidelines.
Because Oliver! premiered in 1960, the audition songs below are drawn from musicals between the 1950s and 1990s. Each one has been carefully hand-picked and reviewed to ensure it matches the show’s style.
Step 1: Review Audition Info
Please read your audition details carefully, as they sometimes specify the type of song they’d like to hear (a ballad, something uptempo, etc.). Make sure to select a song that’s appropriate for your specific casting call.
Step 2: Study the Show
Before auditioning, you should get familiar with the show, and listening to the cast album is a great way to do that. Here’s where you can learn more about Oliver!
Step 3: Pick an Audition Song
Before choosing a song, find your voice type and range using the Vocal Guide.
Based on your personality and vocal type, decide whether to audition for the ensemble or a specific character. Whatever you choose, try to stay open to other casting possibilities.
When you’re ready, choose a song from below that best fits your voice and style.
Audition Songs for Oliver!
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Bet
“Fabulous Places” – Doctor Dolittle
“I Gotta Crow” – Peter Pan
“That’s What I’d Like for Christmas” – Pickwick
“Use Your Noggin” – Walking Happy
Bill Sykes
“A Man Could Go Quite Mad” – The Mystery of Edwin Drood
“Dog Eats Dog” – Les Misérables
“Lonely Room” – Oklahoma!
“The Highest Judge of All” – Carousel
Fagin
“Captain Hook’s Waltz” – Peter Pan
“Chim Chim Cheree” – Mary Poppins
“If You Want to Die in Bed” – Miss Saigon
“Master of the House” – Les Misérables
Mr. Bumble
“How Did They Build the Titanic?” – Titanic
“In Every Age” – Titanic
“Molasses to Rum” – 1776
“Never the Luck” – The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Mrs. Corney
“By the Sea” – Sweeney Todd
“Gorgeous” – The Apple Tree
“That Dirty Old Man” – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
“The Beguine” – Dames at Sea
Nancy
“I’ll Make a Man of the Man” – Walking Happy
“Just You Wait” – My Fair Lady
“Where Was I?” – Walking Happy
“Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” – My Fair Lady
Oliver Twist
“Distant Melody” – Peter Pan
“My Best Girl” – Mame
“Not While I’m Around” – Sweeney Todd
“Round-Shouldered Man” – The Secret Garden
The Artful Dodger
“Gary, Indiana” – The Music Man
“Little People” – Les Misérables
“Neat to Be a Newsboy” – Working
“Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir” – Sweeney Todd
🎭 Do you know your casting type? Take our free Character Archetype Quiz to find out if you’re a villain, ingénue, hero, romantic, or a type that’s even more unique!
Ensemble (Altos)
“Beautiful Things” – Doctor Dolittle
“Feed the Birds” – Mary Poppins
“Ribbons Down My Back” – Hello, Dolly!
Ensemble (Baritones)
“How D’ya Talk to a Girl?” – Walking Happy
“Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be” – Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be
“What Makes It Happen?” – Walking Happy
Ensemble (Basses)
“Get Me to the Church on Time” – My Fair Lady
“If I Ruled the World” – Pickwick
“With a Little Bit of Luck” – My Fair Lady
Ensemble (Contras)
“Erbie Fitch’s Twitch” – Redhead
“Hey, Look Me Over” – Wildcat
“Tender Shepherd” – Peter Pan
Ensemble (Mezzo-Sopranos)
“Getting to Know You” – The King and I
“Little Lamb” – Gypsy
“London (Is a Little Bit of All Right)” – The Girl Who Came to Supper
Ensemble (Sopranos)
“Ice Cream” – Anne of Green Gables
“Show Me” – My Fair Lady
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” – Mary Poppins
Ensemble (Tenors)
“Flash, Bang, Wallop!” – Half a Sixpence
“No Moon” – Titanic
“When I Look in Your Eyes” – Doctor Dolittle
Ensemble (Trebles/Children)
“Getting Tall” – Nine
“I Won’t Grow Up” – Peter Pan
“The Perfect Nanny” – Mary Poppins
“Truly Scrumptious” – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
“When Children Rule the World” – Whistle Down the Wind
Step 4: Select a Monologue
If requested, here are a few audition monologues for Oliver!:
• “Squirrel In a Cage” from The Silver Box
• “I Must Say” from The Importance of Being Earnest
• “My First Winter” from Haymarket Eight
• “Tommy Has Proposed” from An Ideal Husband
• “What Truth?” from The Cherry Orchard
Step 5: Audition Prep
Choosing the right song is just the beginning! Strong preparation helps you walk into the room with confidence and ready to show what you can do.
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Oliver! Song List
Here’s a list of the musical numbers in Oliver, along with which characters sing in each of them. Unless you have been asked to, do not choose from the below songs for your audition! This is more intended to be used for character research purposes.
* That said, if you’ve specifically been asked to sing a song from the show, you can find the sheet music for the best possible audition songs below.
Act 1:
“Food, Glorious Food” – Ensemble
“Oliver!” – Mr. Bumble, Widow Corney, Ensemble
“I Shall Scream!” – Mr. Bumble, Widow Corney
“Boy for Sale” – Mr. Bumble
“That’s Your Funeral” – Mr. Sowerberry, Mrs. Sowerberry, Mr. Bumble
“Where Is Love?” – Oliver
“Consider Yourself” – The Artful Dodger, Oliver, Ensemble
“You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two” – Fagin, Ensemble
“It’s a Fine Life” – Nancy, Fagin, The Artful Dodger, Bet, Ensemble
“I’d Do Anything” – The Artful Dodger, Nancy, Oliver, Bet, Fagin, Ensemble
“Be Back Soon” – Fagin, The Artful Dodger, Oliver, Ensemble
Act 2:
“Oom-Pah-Pah” – Nancy, Ensemble
“My Name” – Bill Sikes
“As Long As He Needs Me” – Nancy
“Where Is Love? (Reprise)” – Mrs. Bedwin
“Who Will Buy?” – Rose Seller, Oliver, Ensemble
“It’s a Fine Life (Reprise)” – Bill Sikes, Nancy, Fagin, The Artful Dodger
“Reviewing the Situation” – Fagin
“Oliver! (Reprise)” – Mr. Bumble, Widow Corney
“As Long as He Needs Me (Reprise)” – Nancy
“Reviewing the Situation (Reprise)” – Fagin
“Finale” – Company
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
