Oliver!

Hi, today here is my second blog post on my favourite musical which is the classic Oliver! It’s based on the Charles Dickens novel.

The original was written by Lionel Bart in 1960. I first came across it with the 1968 DVD film complete with the Overture, Intermission, Entr’acte and Exit Music and it has remained one of favourite musical films. 

I have seen it on stage twice at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, produced by Cameron Mackintosh. Before that, I also watched the making of that production via the 2008 BBC One TV series ‘I’d Do Anything’, when Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh were looking for a ‘Nancy’. Jodie Prenger being the overall winner and whom I saw in 2009 version, and three boys to play Oliver!

Remember, “please Sir, I want some more”?

I then saw it again on stage recently in a new production at the Leeds Playhouse in January 2024. A fantastic production, with the set making it feel like you were in Victorian London.

I may see it again in Cameron’s brand-new production later this year as he is doing it at the Chichester Festival Theatre this summer. It will hopefully transfer to the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End.

I think the show is one of those great classic family musicals with such timeless songs with my favourites being “Consider Yourself, Food Glorious Food, As Long as He Needs Me, Reviewing the Situation, I’d Do Anything and Be Back Soon” and I also like the Exit Music as well.

My favourite Fagin is Rowan Atkinson (who sadly I didn’t get to see on stage but have heard on the 2009 Live London Cast Recording) and my favourite Nancy is Jodie Prenger.

Overall, I give the show 5 stars and 10 out of 10. 

#Oliver