Review: OLIVER!, Chichester Festival Theatre
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Last night Besties, we were invited to “review the situation” at Chichester Festival Theatre for their spectacular new production of Lionel Bart’s iconic and classic British musical, Oliver!
CFT has become well-known for their annual summer production which is always a hit, with many being launched into the West End a few months later. Visiting CFT has become a highlight of our theatrical reviewing calendar. It is a beautiful theatre – more or less, in the round so no matter which seat you book, you are guaranteed a great view and aspect. Spectacular is certainly the word we would use! This family favourite has been fully re-conceived especially for CFT by director and choreographer Matthew Bourne in association with Cameron Mackintosh – and yes, it is heading to the West End later this year!
We’re sure, Besties, that you are all familiar with the synopsis and the infamous line "Please Sir, I want some more!". Set in the Victorian era, it starts with Oliver, a loveable orphan who ends up at Mr Bumble's Victorian workhouse and goes on to seek his fortune. Along the way, he finds refuge with Fagin, the Artful Dodger, Nancy and when he’ s wrongly arrested for stealing, Oliver meets an unexpected saviour. It’s your typical British musical with plenty of Charles Dickens wit and humour – yet, no matter how many times you see Oliver!, it just never gets old!
Let’s start with the score; it is simply superb and timeless. From great ensemble numbers including ‘Food Glorious Food’, ‘Consider Yourself’ and ‘Who Will Buy’ to more comedic numbers such as ‘Pick-a-Pocket’, ‘Oom Pah Pah’ and ‘Reviewing the Situation’, Chichester certainly has one of the finest orchestras out of town, under the expert direction of conductor Graham Hurman.
Designer Lez Brotherston has created a fresh and magnificent set design that ticks all the boxes, with the production really enhanced by the use of a revolving stage. We applaud and commend the entire production team and creatives for a faultless production.
And now, onto the dream cast! The cast includes Simon Lipkin as Fagin, Shanay Holmes as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes, Billy Jenkins as the Artful Dodger, Philip Franks as Mr Brownlow, Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Mr Bumble and Katy Secombe as Widow Corney to name a few. Each person has been perfectly cast in what can only be described as the very best version of Oliver! that we have seen. In particular, Simon Lipkin steals the show with his portrayal of Fagin – he brings a fresh and modern twist to the loveable rogue whilst still including some of those infamous mannerisms created by Ron Moody. It is as though this part has been written for him! The role of Oliver and Fagin’s Gang are shared between teams, however tonight, we were very lucky to see Cian Eagle-Service perform as Oliver. Simply superb.
It is very rare that an out-of-town production hits all the right notes, but Oliver! really does! It is a show that will certainly become a crown jewel in the West End later this year. Beg, borrow or even better, pick-a-pocket to see this production - you won’t regret it!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Ryan Bishop
Oliver! plays at Chichester Festival Theatre until 7 September, with further info here.