(C) Johan Persson
Based on the 1838 novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, Oliver! the stage musical, premiered in London’s West End in 1960 (eight years before the film was made) and has been revived a handful of times in London since. Now a new production (which premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2024) has transferred to London’s Gielgud Theatre where it has opened to rave reviews.
Orphaned Oliver Twist, escapes the harsh Victorian workhouse and takes refuge in London’s murky underworld with the wily gang leader Fagin and his team of resourceful pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger. He finds a friend in the kind-hearted Nancy and when he’ s wrongly arrested for stealing, Oliver meets an unexpected saviour; but is happiness truly within his grasp?
The Gielgud Theatre, which seats just under 1,000 people, is a clever choice of venue for this show (which played for two years in 2008-2011 at the much larger 2,196 seat Theatre Royal Drury Lane). It has set itself up for a long run, perhaps aspiring to become a permanent fixture in the West End. The show has been selling out daily since it started previews has has now extended booking to March 2026. I have a feeling it will be around for much longer though!
The music in this show is sublime. Lionel Bart’s songs have been a part of modern day culture for over sixty years with hits like “Consider Yourself”, You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two”, “I’d Do Anything” and “As Long As He Needs Me” being known across the globe throughout generations. And they sound better than ever.
Oliver! was apparently an inspiration for the musical Les Miserables when it was created and this new production has more than a few similarities to prove this point. Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Mr Bumble) and Katy Secombe‘s (Widow Corney) are certainly reminiscent of The Thenardiers, giving side-splitting performances. Their rendition of “I Shall Scream” should win awards.
Billy Jenkins serves up perfect ‘cheeky chap’ energy as the Artful Dodger, lurking in the shadows, serving as Fagin’s eyes and ears.
Simon Lipkin is the perfect choice to play Fagin in this production. He brings his own unique style of comedy to the role and if you’ve ever seen his work on stage or film before then you can imagine how he is the perfect fit. Unlike other version of the show I have seen, Simon manages to let the audience see into the character’s heart and his vulnerabilities which Fagin doesn’t ever let show.
Shanay Holmes gives a gentler portrayal of Nancy than I have seen before which works perfectly for the ending of the show and her “It’s a Fine Life” is a triumph.
Cian Eagle-Service‘s (Oliver) rendition of “Where is Love” is one of the best vocal performances I have ever heard live on stage. The control he demonstrates of his voice is phenomenal for someone so young. You can hear his version of the song on the newly released cast recording, recorded live at Chichester Festival Theatre last year, before the show transferred to the West End. You could have heard a pin drop in the audience while he sang.
Matthew Bourne‘s new choreography for the show is beautiful. It’s sleek and sexy and really raises the bar on what we should expect to see from West End shows.
With the current climate, West End theatre is sadly more expensive than ever. If you want to see Oliver! from the Stalls or Dress Circle then you’re looking at paying a minimum of £45 (for front row or £65 for the back of the Stalls). Once the show sells out, a limited number of £20 Standing tickets are released at the back of the stalls which is where I was. You miss a lot of the action, as the top half of the stage is cut off by the overhang of the level above but it’s a great view for the action happening on stage.
This new production of Oliver! is fresh, fun, colourful and sounds incredible. Oom-Pah-Pah your way to the Theatre and see it today! “Be Back Soon” sings Fagin, and I certainly will be.
Reviewed by West End Wilma
Read more about the cast and creative team of Oliver!
