Harry Eden Fansite

The part of the Artful Dodger is a staple for any production of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. The story would not be able to proceed without his skills as a pickpocket and small gang of child thieves.

Roman Polanski’s 2005 recreation of the film is no exception, and casts up-and-coming British star Harry Eden as the Artful Dodger. Inspired by the Artful Dodger in Lionel Bart’s 1960 play Oliver!, Eden was lauded for his believable performance and strong support for Barney Clark as Oliver. As the film is a somewhat darker version of Oliver Twist than most past productions, the Artful Dodger is appropriately toned down from formerly enthusiastic performances, and in Eden’s hands seems all the more realistic.

Though Eden portrayed the Artful Dodger in his younger years, it is still considered one of his best performances to date.