Oliver! Oliver! Never before has a boy wanted more!
Lionel Bart's classic reworking of Dickens' Oliver Twist has become one of the best-loved musicals in theatre history. Much praised for its rousing sing-a-longs and vibrant dance routines, Oliver! has set a new touchstone for the world of musical theatre. Already a multi-award winning stage show, transferring the production to the big screen in 1968 brought with it further accolades, including the Best Picture Academy Award
Now, after over a decade on hiatus, Oliver! is set to make its triumphant return to the West End following the new Saturday night sensation, I'd Do Anything. A hit BBC talent show judged by none other than the formidable Andrew Lloyd Webber, I'd Do Anything sets to cast the roles of Nancy and Oliver through public vote over the coming spring.
With all the huge multi media publicity surrounding Oliver! at The Theatre Royal, it is certain to be a real hit with theatregoers! So, what are you waiting for? Book now and don't miss out
Oliver! - The Story
The musical begins in the grimy Victorian workhouse. Dozens of underfed orphan boys line up for their gruel and dream of having proper food to eat. "Food, Glorious Food" is the first rousing show tune of the production and charges the first scene with a real sense of intensity. Then, out of the excitement, young Oliver Twist plucks up the courage to ask Mr Bumble for a second helping. Outraged by his insolence, Mr Bumble promptly sells the young Twist to Mr Sowerberry's Undertakers. Oliver is treated unkindly by the family though and manages to escape, preferring a life on the street to either the dank workhouse or the cruel Sowerberrys and their apprentice.
Before too long Oliver runs into another young lad on the streets of London known only as 'The Artful Dodger'. Dodger invites Oliver back to live with him in Fagin's lair. Fagin, a disgustingly haggard old criminal, runs a gang of young thieves by sending them out to pick pockets and then collect what they steal. It is here that Oliver first meets the violent Bill Sikes and his long suffering woman Nancy. She and Oliver hit it off straight away and she finally shows the youngster some much needed motherly tenderness.
Can Nancy really protect the youngster from the harshness of the criminal world though? The gripping story really comes to a head when the Nancy's kindness toward Oliver threatens the the make up of the gang.
A twisting narrative, spectacular set pieces and some huge show tunes ensue and make Lionel Bart's musical masterpiece Oliver! an experience not to be missed! Book today with Holiday Extras® and consider yourself well in!
Theatre
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Address
Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF
Nearest Tube Station
Covent Garden
Show Times
Monday-Saturday 7:30pm
Saturday Matinee 2:30pm
Show Duration
TBC
Director
Rupert Goold
Producer
Cameron Macintosh
Choreographer
Matthew Barne
Designer
Anthony Ward
Did You Know!
Both Matthew Barne and Anthony Ward were part of the original Oliver! creative team
Relevant Information for Oliver! - The London Show
Oliver! After over a decade on hiatus, the stage show Oliver! is set to make its triumphant return to the West End following the new Saturday night sensation, I'd Do Anything
The History of Oliver The 1968 film version is one of the most successful film musicals of all time but there are a few notable differences between it and the stage version
The Music of Oliver! With a such a fantastic and famous score, it's easy to see why Oliver! has been so successful for over 40 years
Oliver Restaurant Your Oliver! London theatre break can include dinner at the exclusive Bertorelli's, just off Covent Garden in London
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