Would I do anything to get a ticket? (Oliver!)

Member Name: Densiegirl

Product:	Oliver!
Date:	28/03/09 (61 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well coreographed, great crowd scenes, a feelgood family show.

Disadvantages: Will never live up to the film version.

I saw this musical a couple of weeks ago. I had booked my tickets on the final night of the BBC show I'd Do Anything, and had voted for Jodie to win. I was really annoyed when it was announced some time later that she would not be playing the part on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as I had only been able to get decent seats for a Thursday. The role is then played by Tamsin Carroll, but is also understudied by Sarah Lark, who was one of the contestants in the show.

Much to my delight it was Sarah who was playing the role of Nancy in the performance we saw and I must say she was excellent, and I was not overly disappointed not to have seen Jodie, althouth she has been getting rave reviews.

The role of Oliver is shared by three boys and our Oliver was Laurence Jeffcoate, he was very good but is totally outshone by the Dodger, who could really only be played by a boy with singing and dancing experience. Again this role is shared by three boys and I am unsure who we saw, but would imagine they are all equally good. Not the Oliver's fault as Dodger is a far better character.

Rowan Atkinson is Fagin - not an obvoius choice you may think at first, but he was wonderful in the role, very cleverly bringing a touch of Mr Bean in to some scenes, without detracting anything from the role. I particulary liked the scene where he is counting his riches and the subsequent conversation between Ruby and Pearl! The eagle eyed may also spot his Teddy during the Be Back Soon song, although my husband missed it as there was so much going on at that point.

There are some big numbers - Who Will Buy and Consider Yourself - which are done very cleverly with the scenery and choreographed fantastically well. I thought the change of scenery and recreation of location was excellently done.

We could not get top price seats for this show, and there was some action that happened on the front of the stage that we could not see very well, so be aware of that - although with high demand for seats it is worth taking what you can get in order to see it.

I must also sing the praises of Bullseye who is a bit of a scene stealer!

I thought this was a good, fun, family show with good casting, however in my opinion the film version cannot be beaten.

Summary: A good attempt at bringing the fim back to the stage. Well worth trying to get a ticket.