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December 12, 2024
4 mins read

Oliver Returns to the West End  

Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Lionel Bart’s iconic musical, OLIVER! at the Gielgud Theatre in London. Don’t miss the chance to witness this thrilling new production of Oliver!, where the heart and soul of Charles Dickens’ beloved story meet the creative brilliance of Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne. This is an unmissable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Gielgud Theatre’s official website – www.gielgudtheatre.co.uk 

  

 

The timeless tale of the orphaned Oliver Twist returns to the West End this December in a dazzling new production of Lionel Bart’s iconic musical Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre, reimagined by legendary producer Cameron Mackintosh. Directed and choreographed by the internationally acclaimed Matthew Bourne, this eagerly awaited show promises to breathe fresh life into the beloved classic, blending Bart’s unforgettable score with Bourne’s visionary staging. 

Oliver!, based on Charles Dickens’ enduring novel, tells the heart-wrenching story of the young orphan Oliver Twist, who escapes the grim conditions of a Victorian workhouse and is swept into London’s criminal underworld. Along the way, he encounters the charming yet corrupt Fagin and his gang of pickpockets, befriends the kind-hearted Nancy, and finds himself at the mercy of the ruthless Bill Sikes. As Oliver faces betrayal and danger, he ultimately finds an unexpected hero in Mr. Brownlow—will he ever find a place to call home? 

 

This new production of Oliver! is a co-production with Chichester Festival Theatre, where the show’s run as part of their 2024 Summer Season broke box office records, marking the biggest success in the theatre’s history. 

The highly anticipated West End production features an impressive ensemble, led by Simon Lipkin (Guys and Dolls, Avenue Q) as the cunning Fagin, and Shanay Holmes (Miss Saigon, The Bodyguard) as the warm-hearted Nancy. Aaron Sidwell (Henry VI, Wicked) takes on the menacing role of Bill Sikes, while Billy Jenkins (Les Misérables, BBC’s Dodger) shines as the Artful Dodger. 

The role of Oliver Twist is shared between four talented young performers: Cian Eagle-Service (The Witches, Les Misérables), Raphael Korniets (The Snowman), Jack Philpott (The Witches, Matilda), and Odo Rowntree-Bailly (Love Never Dies). 

Other standout cast members include Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Mother Goose, Only Fools and Horses The Musical) as Mr. Bumble, Katy Secombe (The Music Man, Les Misérables) as Widow Corney, and Philip Franks (The Rocky Horror Show, Witness for the Prosecution) as Mr. Brownlow. 

The production’s young adult cast includes Callum Hudson (Noah Claypole), Isabelle Methven (Bet), Lochlan White (Charley Bates), and Harry Cross (Dandy). The ensemble and swings feature a talented group of performers, including Rachael Archer, Tegan Bannister, and Bethany Huckle, among many others. 

Matthew Bourne, renowned for his bold reinterpretations of classic works like Swan Lake and Edward Scissorhands, brings his innovative choreography to Oliver!, delivering a production that is both visually striking and emotionally powerful. The creative team also includes the celebrated designer Lez Brotherston, whose previous works include Fiddler on the Roof and Me and My Girl, as well as Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs for lighting design, and Adam Fisher for sound design. 

Bourne, who has previously won Olivier Awards for his choreography in My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins, brings a fresh, dynamic energy to this iconic musical, ensuring that Oliver! appeals to both new audiences and long-time fans. 

With a sensational score that includes classics like “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” and “As Long As He Needs Me,” Oliver! continues to captivate audiences with its unforgettable melodies. The new orchestrations by Stephen Metcalfe, based on the original by William David Brohn, enhance the show’s dramatic power, while Graham Hurman oversees music supervision. 

Oliver! will begin performances at the Gielgud Theatre on Saturday, 14 December 2024, with tickets now available for bookings through to Sunday, 28 September 2025. Sunday matinees will begin on 9 March 2025, with additional midweek performances added in July and August 2025. 

  

Gielgud Theatre 

Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 6AR 

  

Dates 

Performances from Saturday 14 December 2024 

Now booking until Sunday 28 September 2025 

Sunday matinees begin 9 March 2025 

Additional midweek matinees added in July and August 2025 

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