New West End production of Oliver! is an absolute triumph – review
Where to begin with a show like this? Oliver! is one of the most famous musicals ever written. Charles Dickens’ original story gave us countless memorable characters, from the titular Oliver Twist through to the likes of The Artful Dodger and Fagin, while Lionel Bart’s musical brought the story to the stage with songs such as Food, Glorious Food, I’d Do Anything and Oom-Pah-Pah which are now staples of musical theatre.
Many of us will have grown up watching the 1968 film, although it’s been quite some time since the original 1960 stage musical production has been revived in London.
The long wait has certainly been worth it. Director and choreographer Matthew Bourne has joined forces with producer Cameron Mackintosh for this blockbuster revival, and what a show it is – this is a production full of glorious showstopping moments which arrive thick and fast.
From the moment our protagonist arrives in London and encounters The Artful Dodger, part of the underage gang which takes Oliver in, we are treated to a series of hugely enjoyable song-and-dance numbers.
