Review: Oliver!, at the Gielgud Theatre, London

I dare you - name me a more classic British musical than Oliver! Go on, dare you. 

I must admit, this is the one which was on the top of the list, and the perfect show to end on for my time in London. Plus it is another show that I hadn't seen for about a decade, the last time being the Leicester Curve production. 

After thirteen years away, Oliver! is back on the West End stage

This production of the much loved classic was first staged at Chichester Festival in 2024 for a Summer run, and then transferred to the West End just before Christmas that year, produced once again by Cameron Mackintosh, and directed and choregraphed by Sir Matthew Bourne, founder of New Adventures. This is not the first time the two have worked together, with Bourne choreographing the last major revival of Oliver! in London, as well as Mary Poppins with Stephen Mear. 

The production gained four Olivier nominations last year, winning for Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs' lighting design (which is stunning). 

If you have been living under a rock and don't know the story of Oliver!, let me quickly catch you up

Based on Charles Dickens' classic book, Oliver is a young orphan born and bred in a workhouse. Escaping his circumstances, he sets off to London to make his fortune, meeting many colourful and unforgettable characters along the way. 

This production of Oliver! does not shy away from the harshness of living in that time. You see the dirt and grime from the get go, and the only time you don't see it is in the richer characters such as Mr Bumble and Mr Brownlow. And Oliver! is best when everything is not squeaky clean, and it feels as real as the dirty streets. 

What helps in that regard is the stage itself

Playing the Gielgud instead of the Palladium or Drury Lane, where previous revivals have been held, allows this production to feel a lot more intimate, almost claustrophobic, and the revolve can really amp up the tension in certain scenes. 

 Oliver really shines however when the cast gets these characters right. This cast nails them

There is a cast of children playing the workhouse boys and the younger boys in Fagin's gang, lead on the performance I went to as Thomas Newman playing Oliver himself. That boy has the voice of an angel, and what struck me was a boy who from the get go seemed incredibly brave to me from the get go. This was a boy who you could absolutely see standing up to Bill Sikes. 

As well as the group of children, there is another group of teenagers playing the older parts, such as Bet and Noah Claypole. This also, as a genius move, extended to the older members of Fagin's gang, including Dodger, played by Aaron MacGregor with a cheeky glint in his eye and the presence of a natural leader. 

Onto the adult characters now: Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Mother Goose) was absolutely hilarious as Mr Bumble: pompous, slimy, corrupt and a bit dim. He brought many a laugh at the start of the show, despite him being a pretty revolting character. 

Aaron Sidwell's take on Bill Sikes was super interesting to me. With the Manosphere documentary blowing up all over the internet recently, it was compelling to see some of the same qualities that those "men" have in Bill. He loves Nancy, that much is clear. A brand new scene penned for the two of them emphasises that. However, he is prideful, angry and possessive over his girl, many of these coming from some kind of insecurity. It is perhaps the most intriguing take on Bill Sikes I've seen so far. This production, in addition, does not hold back on the abuse he gives Nancy - in fact, it's pretty graphic. 

Speaking of Nancy, possibly my favourite character in all of musical theatre, she was played wonderfully by Ava Brennan. She was warm, kind hearted, took no nonsense, and broke my heart. As Long As He Needs Me is one of those songs, which performed right, never fails to give me chills. Brennan's version soared to the very back of the theatre. And if you need any further proof of how good she sounds singing this song, she performed it on the Big Night of Musicals. 

I have to save the best for last though, because Simon Lipkin as Fagin absolutely blew me away

The crowning jewel of this cast who 100% deserved that Olivier nomination, Lipkin's performance is a sensational take on Fagin that is also incredibly unique. As well as the casual banter he has with his gang as well as the audience, the little jokes and visual gags, the playing around he does with Fagin, he also adds a touch of magic - literally! Lipkin is also a magician part time, and added some magic tricks into his performance. His performance of Reviewing The Situation is truly a marvel to witness; because as well as all the humour he injects into the song, you truly do believe this is a Fagin having an existential meltdown. It truly is a spectacular performance, that any future Fagin will have to work very hard to beat. 

I am over the moon to have seen Oliver! again - what a perfect way to end the week

Oliver! is done best when you both laugh and cry in equal measure. This production proves that fact to me. The people said "Please Sir, I want some more", and Cameron Mackintosh and his team delivered big time. It is a truly wonderful show that will have you smiling and emotional as you leave the theatre. Fingers crossed we will get a tour of this production, so that mooooore audiences across the country are able to see this wonderful production.