Oliver Review: “Consider Yourself” Lucky to Witness a Show “You’d Do Anything” to See!
Cameron Mackintosh has brought back Lionel Bart’s Timeless Classic in a Way that Feels Fresh and Masterful!
★★★★★
Cameron Mackintosh has done it again. The legendary producer has not only breathed new life into one of musical theatre’s most beloved classics but also reminded us why his name is connected with the golden age of the mega-musical. This production is a triumph in every sense of the word, blending grandeur and spectacle with a surprising intimacy that makes the experience truly unforgettable. It's a revival that feels both timeless and utterly fresh.
The creative revisions in this production are nothing short of genius. Mackintosh has assembled an incredible creative team to reimagine Lionel Bart’s masterpiece, keeping all the elements that audiences cherish while injecting a contemporary energy that keeps the show dynamic and relevant. The result is a production that honors the original while elevating it to new heights, proving that the mega-musicals are not only alive but thriving.
Lez Brotherson’s set design is simply breathtaking. From the very beginning, the stage is transformed into the gritty yet visually stunning streets of Victorian London. Brotherson spares no expense in creating a world that feels immersive and cinematic, with towering spiral staircases, moving bridges, and turntables reminiscent of Les Misérables, but uniquely tailored to Oliver!’s story. The intricacy and grandeur of the design make the relatively intimate Gielgud Theatre feel like a vast, sprawling epic while retaining a closeness that draws the audience into every moment. The proximity of the production’s massive scale with the theatre’s smaller footprint creates an experience that feels at once monumental and deeply personal.
With direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne, he brings an infectious vitality to the show. The big ensemble numbers, especially those featuring the children, are a spectacle in themselves. Watching the young performers sing and dance their hearts out with jaw-dropping precision is nothing short of magical. Numbers like "Consider Yourself" and "I'd Do Anything" feel like a joyful explosion of energy, filling the stage with life and leaving the audience in awe. Bourne’s ability to balance intricate choreography with character-driven storytelling ensures that every scene brims with purpose and emotion.
The principal cast delivers performances that will be talked about for a while. Simon Lipkin as Fagin is a revelation, giving a career-defining performance that blends humor, menace, and vulnerability in perfect measure. Lipkin’s nuanced portrayal makes Fagin a deeply complex and human character, bringing new depth to a role that has been performed countless times.
But the true standout of this production is Shanay Holmes as Nancy. Her voice is nothing short of extraordinary—powerful, raw, and deeply emotional. From the haunting tenderness of "As Long As He Needs Me" to the fiery defiance of "It's a Fine Life," Holmes delivers a performance that is gut-wrenching and unforgettable. She captures every facet of Nancy’s strength, pain, and love with an authenticity that will leave audiences in complete awe.
Cameron Mackintosh has outdone himself with this revival of Oliver! It’s a production that celebrates everything we love about musical theatre: breathtaking visuals, unforgettable performances, and a story that resonates across generations. With this show, Mackintosh proves that the mega-musical is far from a relic of the past—it’s an art form that, under the right hands, can continue to inspire, dazzle, and move audiences in profound ways. Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of Mackintosh’s return to the grandeur and magic that have defined his legendary career.
OLIVER! - Gielgud Theatre
Attended on 27 January 2025