Oliver! Review

The company of Oliver! Photo credit Johan Persson

An extremely polished and clever revival of a true classic, 'I’d Do Anything’ to go back and watch again and again!

In a West End dominated by jukebox musicals and screen to stage adaptations, it's refreshing to see a classic return to the spotlight. Oliver!, a musical that’s been around for decades is one of those shows that has a soft spot in the hearts of many.

A musical that has had numerous productions and adaptations, it’s a story that feels nostalgic and familiar. I was so pleased that this production managed to encapsulate the heart of Lionel Bart's musical and stays faithful to it’s original form, whilst injecting new life and energy into it. An extremely polished and clever revival of a true classic, 'I’d Do Anything’ to go back and watch again and again! This new revival premiered at the Chichester Festival Theatre in July 2024 and transferred to the West End in December 2024. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Oliver! follows the story of Oliver, a young orphan boy who finds himself in London hoping to find his fortune, but finds acceptance within a group of pickpockets led by criminal Fagin.

Lez Brotherston's set design paired with Ben Jacob's atmospheric lighting instantly transports you into 19th century England, complimented by the grand surroundings of the Gielgud Theatre. The use of the revolve with the dimly lit stage brings the bustling streets of Victorian England to life, immersing the audience in its gritty, vibrant energy.

The titular role is played by a cast of four alternating young boys. We had the pleasure of watching Raphael Korniets, whose childlike wonder and hope had you rooting for him to find that love, comfort and safety that all children deserve. His sweet and pure version of ‘Where is Love’ echoed around the theatre.

Matthew Bourne’s direction and choreography is nothing short of perfect, creating that ensemble led energy that this musical is known for. How refreshing it was to witness an ensemble full of real looking people from all walks of life with great vocals to match. It is bursting with energy and charisma, with iconic number after iconic number. Stand out songs include ‘Consider Yourself’ and ‘You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two’. The infectious chorus numbers are a joy to watch, they make you want to jump up and join in yourself! The young ensemble deserve notable credit for their charming and tight performances, never missing a cue and their adorable comedic timing. 

Leading this young ensemble as the front man of the pack was the wonderful Billy Byers (the alternate) as the Artful Dodger, whose charisma, confidence and charm was everything you would expect and want from the character. It was impossible not to smile as he captivated the audience and held the stage fearlessly. 

Shanay Holmes gave a heartfelt and brave portrayal of our heroine Nancy. We followed her through her moral dilemma between staying loyal to Sikes or giving Oliver a chance of freedom. Her acting scenes had extreme strength and your heart really went out to this poor woman stuck in such an abusive situation. Technically her vocals were stunning with effortless emotion, but some songs including 'As Long As He Needs Me' lacked the gusto and belt that is expected from this pivotal point of the show.

It is impossible to talk about this production without mentioning the absolute force that is Simon Lipkin as Fagin. Fagin can sometimes feel like a bit of a caricature, yet Lipkin’s fully embodied character felt crafted to perfection and genuinely authentic. Lipkin had the audience in the palm of his hands during ‘Reviewing the Situation’ which was a standout of the whole production, with energy and wit that carried him through the length of the song. You really couldn’t take your eyes off of him and he bounced off the audience with incredible comedic timing and improvisation. His chaotic and childish nature was balanced by this genuine kindness and warmth he showed Oliver which really created a well rounded character. There was a wonderful relationship between him and the young ensemble which you could tell came from Lipkin’s respect and adoration for them all, even shown within the bows. It was hard not to root for him despite his criminal nature! A masterclass in characterisation.

This revival carefully balanced it’s darker themes of poverty and crime with joyous musical numbers, making it a must see show for all ages. You can tell so much care, affection and detail has gone into this production, it is true testament to classic musical theatre. I have no doubts that we will 'be back soon'!