Oliver! returns to London at the Gielgud Theatre London: Review

It’s been 57 years since Lionel Bart’s Oliver! first hit film screens back in 1968 and over the decades this smash hit still manages to entice audiences old and young.

This week I headed to the Gielgud Theatre at the West End, where I found myself reviewing the situation as Oliver! returned to London’s West End once again.

I found myself reviewing the situation as Oliver! returned to London’s West End once again. (Image: Johan Persson)

Based on the 1836 novel written by Charles Dickens, Cameron Mackintosh’s new musical adaptation tells the story of a young orphan – Oliver – as he seeks a new life in London after years growing up at the workhouse, and finds himself in with a gang of notorious pickpockets.

Cameron Mackintosh’s new musical adaptation tells the story of a young orphan – Oliver – as he seeks a new life in London. (Image: Johan Persson)

Oliver is played by an alternating cast of four boys, with Oliver at our performance played by the talented Cian Eagle-Service, famous for his roles in The Witches and Les Misérables.

With incredible vocals, demonstrated with his rendition of ‘Where is Love’, he really epitomised the sweet and innocence of Oliver depicted in the original film.

Oliver is played by an alternating cast of four boys, with Oliver at our performance played by the talented Cian Eagle-Service. (Image: Johan Persson)

The iconic role of Fagin is played by none other than Simon Lipkin, who brought a roughish and hilarious side to Fagin’s character.

Lipkin’s attention to detail, as a nod to the original Fagin played by Ron Moody, was incredible, with body language and hand twitching as well that had me howling with laughter.

Lipkin’s attention to detail, as a nod to the original Fagin played by Ron Moody, was incredible. (Image: Johan Persson)

Fagin’s gang is played by a cast of 21 strong, who really brought the songs to life and delivered on so many iconic lines from the film.

Fagin’s gang is played by a cast of 21 strong, who really brought the songs to life. (Image: Johan Persson)

I can’t imagine anyone who would have been better suited to play the loveable rogue – The Artful Dodger –  than Billy Jenkins, who reprises his role as Dodger after starring in the BBC’s Dodger in 2022.

His lively and witty performance as Dodger was so entertaining to watch, and after seeing his performance of ‘Consider Yourself’ it’s clear the audience are going to get along with him.

Billy Jenkins reprises his role as Dodger after starring in the BBC’s Dodger in 2022. (Image: Johan Persson)

The set designed by Lez Brotherston was skilfully executed to recreate the smoggy and narrow streets of Victorian London and the squalid lodgings of chez Fagin.

Shanay Holmes’ performance as Nancy was full of gumption and her singing of ‘As Long as He Needs Me’ was simply transcendent.

Shanay Holmes’ performance as Nancy singing ‘As Long as He Needs Me’ was simply transcendent. (Image: Johan Persson)

Aaron Sidwell cuts an impressive figure as Bill Sikes, which is riveting and terrifying to watch, with an all-new musical number that really adds to the tension when this felon is on stage.

Aaron Sidwell cuts an impressive figure as Bill Sikes, which is riveting and terrifying to watch. (Image: Johan Persson)

Oscar Conlon-Morrey really brought the character of Mr Bumble to life, and his deep and powerful singing voice shown in ‘Oliver!’ was a fantastic tribute to Harry Secombe’s performance.

Oscar Conlon-Morrey really brought the character of Mr Bumble to life. (Image: Johan Persson)

With choreography from award-winning Matthew Bourne and a medley of original songs from Lionel Bart, this beloved London musical is must-see.

With choreography from award-winning Matthew Bourne and a medley of original songs from Lionel Bart, this beloved London musical is must-see. (Image: Johan Persson)

After some consideration I can state consider this your sign to see Oliver in 2025, with bookings running up until September this year.