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Matthew Bourne’s “Oliver!” at the Gielgud Theatre

Writer's picture: Team WrittenTeam Written

Updated: Feb 7

Matthew Bourne’s new staging of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! at London’s Gielgud Theatre strikes a rare balance between nostalgia and innovation. Co-produced by Cameron Mackintosh and fresh from a successful run at Chichester Festival Theatre, this production transports audiences to a vividly reimagined Victorian London—brimming with humor, danger, and a dash of postmodern flair.


Lez Brotherston’s set design makes intelligent use of the Gielgud’s compact stage. A central revolve, which might have seemed cumbersome, instead flows seamlessly under Bourne’s careful direction, transitioning from the bleak workhouse to the bustling streets of Dickens’s London in mere seconds. Stark lighting by Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs underscores each narrative shift, casting deep shadows over the harsh realities of orphan life and brightening the more jubilant ensemble numbers.


Projections by George Reeve expand the world beyond the stage, evoking the unforgiving night skies and fog-laden alleyways that linger in Dickens’s novel. The intimacy of the theater amplifies the production’s emotional weight: every gasp, tear, and rousing chorus resonates powerfully in the close quarters.


Bourne’s direction and choreography shine from the first note of “Food, Glorious Food” to the climactic curtain call. He blends a range of dance styles—from classical ballet to contemporary street moves—giving each number a distinct energy while preserving Bart’s timeless tunes. Nowhere is this more evident than in “Consider Yourself,” a jubilant riot of synchronized steps and bustling city life, full of playful groupings that recall both Hollywood musicals and East End pub knees-ups.


The child ensemble, particularly in the workhouse scenes, moves with a fierce, uniform discipline that illustrates their daily struggles. Meanwhile, Bill Sikes’s predatory gait and Nancy’s delicate yet determined choreography add layers of tension to the darker moments, reminding us of the story’s undercurrent of violence and desperation.


This Oliver! boasts performances that feel both fresh and rooted in tradition:

Simon Lipkin’s Fagin strikes a deft balance between cunning mentor and wry entertainer, keeping the audience torn between sympathy and suspicion.

Shanay Holmes’s Nancy brings raw intensity to every scene she inhabits, her rendition of “As Long As He Needs Me” aching with vulnerability.

Billy Jenkins’s Artful Dodger overflows with boyish charm, shepherding big ensemble pieces like “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two” with cheeky confidence.

Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes emanates menace, delivering an air of danger that amplifies the show’s darker twists.


Even the comedic turns—from Mr. Bumble’s pomposity to Widow Corney’s brassy outbursts—are tinged with irony, hinting at the grim realities beneath their bluster. This vivid ensemble enriches each scene, ensuring no moment feels underplayed or out of place.


Under Graham Hurman’s supervision, Stephen Metcalfe’s orchestrations inject new color into Lionel Bart’s beloved score. The brassy fanfares and nimble strings intensify both the show’s rousing anthems and its more introspective moments, heightening each emotional beat. Bourne’s occasional use of “dancer’s counts” infuses the music with subtle modern touches, ensuring that even long-time fans of Oliver! hear its iconic tunes with fresh ears.


Audiences at the Gielgud have responded with palpable enthusiasm, eagerly engaging with the show’s humor, drama, and musical delights. The production’s intimate staging allows spectators to feel the rush of the ensemble’s spirited dance numbers and to absorb the tragedy of Nancy’s final confrontation in uncomfortably close detail. Critics and theatergoers alike laud Bourne’s ability to respect the musical’s cherished legacy while introducing modern stylistic flourishes.


This new staging of Oliver! is a testament to Matthew Bourne’s imaginative direction and Cameron Mackintosh’s lavish production values. It underscores Dickens’s darker themes without losing the show’s inherent joy, blending pathos and exuberance in equal measure. From the first triumphant chords to the final echo of applause, Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre captivates with its thrilling choreography, evocative design, and a cast that breathes new life into an old favorite.


No matter how many times you’ve heard “Consider Yourself” or “I’d Do Anything,” you’ll find yourself caught up in the buoyant energy—and the sobering realities—of this timeless tale. In short, Bourne’s Oliver! is a must-see for West End devotees and newcomers alike, offering a thoughtful, dynamic spin on one of musical theatre’s most enduring classics.






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