* Apologies for the time it has taken to produce this review, I have been fully occupied with auditions for my own production but can now breathe once more. *
Consider yourself at home.
Consider yourself one of the family.
We’ve taken to you so strong.
It’s clear we’re going to get along.
Last of three shows during a theatre weekend break and after Paddington and Phantom of the Opera, this one was a bit of an afterthought — a filler. You see, I’ve seen Oliver half a dozen times and I thought I knew it well, but how wrong I was. This revival is Cameron Mackintosh’s reimagining of the classic Lionel Bart musical, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne. So, no shortage of Musical Theatre royalty there, then. And boy, it paid off with Consider Yourself being one of the best ensemble numbers I have seen in many years.
Ten minutes into the show, I turned to my wife and said, “This is amazing.” And it did not let up. I am all for updating shows, that without being unkind, can become stale, as I found with Phantom earlier in the day. Oliver had no such problems. It was energetic, loud and drew the audience into an immersive experience which made you feel you were part of the show.
Best of the lot was Simon Lipkin as Fagin who was far more outgoing than earlier versions, full of magic tricks, a bit of stand up and the odd piece of audience interaction thrown in for good measure. What was more important, though, and it echoes what I have already said; Lipkin’s Fagin was new, fresh, and it showed, making a hell of a difference to the show. It was also nice to see some of the other character’s ages cast correctly as well. For instance, a young Bet and having Dodger as an older teen. Good to have girls in Fagin’s gang as well.
In the role of Oliver, we had William Barker who excelled during Where is Love, but supporting equally well was Billy Jenkins as Dodger, complete with fan club of half the audience in what was apparently his last show. Tegan Bannister was superb as Nancy, particularly during As Long as He Needs Me and Aaron Sidwell frightened the life out of me as Bill Sykes. Supporting well were Oscar Conlan-Morrey (Mr Bumble), Ebony Jonelle (Widow Corney), Stephen Matthews (Mr Sowerberry/Grimwig), Jamie Birkett (Mrs Sowerberry/Mrs Bedwin), Lois Craig (Charlotte), Callum Hudson (Noah Claypole), Harry Cross (Dandy), Lochlan White (Charley), Isabel Methven (Bet), Stephen John Davis (Mr Brownlow) and Wendy Somerville (Old Sally).
Full of old classics: I’d Do Anything, Food Glorious Food, Be Back Soon, It’s a Fine Life and so much more; this Oliver rocked from start to finish. One of the best musicals I have seen in a long time. I recommend you do too, if you get the chance.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt
*Photos taken from the public domain and may not represent the performance reviewed.
Antony N Britt - Author 