There is a wonderful production of Lionel Bart's Oliver! based on Sam Mendes original production running at the Theatre Royal- Drury Lane. With a warm, twinkle-in-the-eye performance by Russ Abbot as Fagin, a great, imaginative, flexible design by Anthony Ward which segues from brilliant set to brilliant set each with great specificity (and his super costumes can move when danced in), lively direction by Rupert Goold (aided and abetted by Mathew Bourne's choreography and co-direction), an energetic cast of enthusiastic kids and top-level professional grownups, and tunes like "As Long as He Needs Me" and "Consider Yourself" that stick in the head, this is a terrific entertainment for everybody.
Bourne has chosen a lively street-tough vocabulary for the dances, and it works perfectly. Gwion Wyri Jones is a dynamite little Oliver, and Kerry Ellis is a lovely Nancy. Steven Hartley is a Bill Sykes with a Lee Marvin negative strength and no voice - just a growl.
This show is a musical, an extravaganza, and is even more exciting in Act 2. The great old beautiful theater, too, is a privilege to be in, and this Oliver! is a total pleasure. Bravo to Lionel Bart for his timeless creation.
