Oliver!
Chichester Festival Theatre
Director and Choreographer: Matthew Bourne
Original book, music and lyrics: Lionel Bart
Musical Supervisor: Graham Hurman
Chichester Festival Theatre in association with Cameron Mackintosh
If you were to ask someone if they knew Oliver!, my bet would be yes. The rousing score, unforgettable performances and star cast of the 1968 film adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel, set Oliver! in stone as one of the best musicals of all time. For those who aren’t as familiar, the story follows a young orphan, as he discovers the dark side of Victorian London with a little influence from Fagin’s gang of young pickpockets.
As the lights went down, a small cast of youth actors filled the stage with their voices, belting the opening tune, ‘Food Glorious Food’, which had the whole audience grinning in anticipation. And what a treat we were in for. The youth cast were a delight to watch, visibly having a wonderful time, and completely engaged with their characters throughout, however I did feel that there could have been more of them! The energy they brought, carried certain numbers, and it was their performances alongside Simon Lipkin’s Fagin, that had the audience on their feet. Lipkin was exceptional as Fagin, carrying an air of confidence and control that did not falter. He effortlessly engaged the audience, not only in his musical numbers, but also in scenes, with his humour, physicality and interactions with the youth cast. At his right hand side was Billy Jenkins as The Artful Dodger, and what a talent. What I found most engaging in Jenkins’ performance, were the small movements and intricacies he gave to Dodger, on top of his stellar vocals and dance skills. He created a unique quality and individuality to a character so beloved, and was a real stand-out in the show. The other star was Shanay Holmes as Nancy. As she sang the final note of, ‘As Long as He Needs Me’, the audience erupted with claps and cheers, and an utter appreciation for the talent and portrayal Holmes gave. Nancy is a head-strong, powerful woman, who possess a kind heart, and Holmes gave us the perfect balance.
Aaron Sidwell’s portrayal of Bill Sikes, the villain of the show, was consistent throughout and his interactions with Oliver were particularly charged, however his (and the script’s) depiction, lacked some of the menace necessary for a character so volatile. The rest of the cast were also very good, although the ensemble felt rather small. As the show transfers to the West End this might change, but I did feel there needed to be more bodies to create an atmosphere of hustle and bustle in Victorian London.
Lez Brotherston’s design was fabulous, including a revolving section of stage and a large metal multi-level structure that acted as Fagin’s den and London Bridge, to name a few. The set was used effectively, with seamless transitions in and out of scenes. Projection was also used throughout, designed by George Reeve, cleverly generating atmosphere, locations and even in one moment, creating Bill Sikes’ dog, Bullseye (though blink and you might miss it). The band, conducted by Graham Hurman, were exceptional, and whilst gifted an extraordinary score, they brought it to life with such precision and joy, with most of the audience staying after the bows to give them an applause as they finished.
This production stays true to the original in many ways, but gives it a new life and energy that is refreshing and exciting. It demonstrates why Oliver! continues to be one of the best musicals of all time, and if someone were to ask how I’d get tickets to see this show’s transfer to the West End, I’d say, I really would do anything.
Oliver! runs at the Chichester Festival Theatre until the 7th September, before transferring to the Gielgud Theatre in the West End, from the 14th December 2024.
Reviewed by Lily Sitzia
Photo : Johan Persson