New West End Olivier Twists announced for 'Oliver!'
The role of Oliver Twist will now be shared by William Barker, Sebastian Elton and Isaac Nelson, with Odo Rowntree-Bailly remaining in the show.
Please sir, can I have some more? New lead casting has been revealed for Lionel Bart's Oliver! in the West End.
The role of Oliver Twist will now be shared by William Barker, Sebastian Elton and Isaac Nelson, with Odo Rowntree-Bailly remaining in the show.
The show, which is devised by superproducer Cameron Mackintosh, with direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne and co-direction by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy, is an adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel. The story follows orphan Oliver, after he escapes from a London workhouse and falls in with a gang of pickpockets and criminals led by Fagin.
Continuing in the West End cast are Simon Lipkin as Fagin, Shanay Holmes as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell (Henry VI, Wicked) as Bill Sikes, Billy Byers as the Artful Dodger, Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Mr Bumble, Katy Secombe as Widow Corney, Stephen Matthews as Mr Sowerberry/Dr Grimwig, Jamie Birkett as Mrs Sowerberry/ Mrs Bedwin and Philip Franks as Mr Brownlow, with Rudy Gibson and William Skinner as understudy Artful Dodgers and Ava Brennan as alternate Nancy.
In a five-star review for LondonTheatre.co.uk, our critic said: "This is a simply glorious Oliver!, and a must for family audiences (even if you’ve got to pick a pocket or two). First seen in 1960, Lionel Bart’s musical can be something of a tonal challenge: steeped in the darkness of Dickens’s novel, yet simultaneously packed with jaunty tunes and cockney knees-up dance numbers. Matthew Bourne (who choreographs and co-directs with Jean-Pierre van der Spuy), manages that balancing act perfectly, giving us plenty of grime and grit alongside transporting pleasures."
Book Oliver! tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk
Photo credit: Oliver! in the West End. (Photo by Johan Persson)
Frequently asked questions
What is Oliver! about?
Lionel Bart’s audience-favourite musical, Oliver! returns to the West End in an all-new revised production by producer Cameron Mackintosh and director and choreographer Matthew Bourne.
How long is Oliver!?
The running time of Oliver! is 2hr 40min. Incl. interval.
Where is Oliver! playing?
Oliver! is playing at Gielgud Theatre. The theatre is located at 35-37 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6AR.
How do you book tickets for Oliver!?
Book tickets for Oliver! on London Theatre.
What's the age requirement for Oliver!?
The recommended age for Oliver! is Ages 7+. Everyone must have their own ticket. Under 16s must be accompanied by and sat next to a ticketholder who is 18+. Under 3s will not be admitted..
Who wrote Oliver!?
Lionel Bart wrote the musical.
Who directed Oliver!?
Matthew Bourne stages the show.
What songs are in Oliver!?
Songs in Oliver! include Food Glorious Food, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, Oom Pah Pah, and As Long As He Needs Me.
Is Oliver! appropriate for kids?
Oliver! is a great family-friendly show, and the musical has no age guidelines. However, some themes and scenes related to crime and life on the streets may not be suitable for young children.
Is Oliver! good?
Oliver! is a fantastic musical that has won numerous awards since its premiere in 1960. With an engaging story and hit songs, it’s no wonder this show has continued to be a favorite amongst audiences. This performance is reimagined in exciting new ways and includes an exceptional cast and creative team.
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