Oliver!
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Introduction to "Oliver!"
"Oliver!" premiered in London’s West End at the New Theatre now the Noël Coward Theatre on June 30, 1960, running for 2,618 performances until September 21, 1968, making it one of the longest-running musicals of its era. With music, lyrics, and book by Lionel Bart, this musical adapts Charles Dickens’ "Oliver Twist." Directed by Peter Coe, it starred Ron Moody as Fagin, Georgia Brown as Nancy, and Keith Hamshere as Oliver. Revived at the London Palladium in 1994 with Jonathan Pryce and Sally Dexter, it ran 927 performances until February 21, 1998, earning three Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival. Produced by Donald Albery, its rousing score featuring "Consider Yourself" and "Food, Glorious Food" and Victorian grit have drawn over 5 million across its West End runs, cementing its status as a theatrical classic cherished for its heart and hustle.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
Lionel Bart crafted the entire score, lyrics, and book, distilling Dickens’ novel into a melodic masterpiece with a Cockney edge. Peter Coe directed, with Malcolm Clare’s choreography animating street life, while Sean Kenny’s innovative revolving sets Olivier-winning in 1995 framed the squalor. Ron Moody’s sly Fagin, Georgia Brown’s fiery Nancy, and Martin Horsey’s cheeky Dodger led the 1960 cast, with Barry Humphries as Mr. Sowerberry. The 1994 revival, directed by Sam Mendes, starred Jonathan Pryce, Sally Dexter, and Miles Anderson, produced by Cameron Mackintosh. Eric Rogers’ orchestrations and Tony Tanner’s dances refreshed it, a team whose alchemy rooted in Bart’s solo vision blended Dickensian gloom with theatrical glee, evolving from a 1960 Wimbledon debut to a West End titan twice over.
A Boy’s Journey Through Victorian London
In a grim workhouse, orphan Oliver Twist begs for more gruel ("Food, Glorious Food"), sold to undertaker Mr. Sowerberry before fleeing to London. There, pickpocket Artful Dodger lures him to Fagin’s den ("Consider Yourself"), training him in theft ("You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two"). Oliver’s caught robbing Mr. Brownlow, who adopts him, but Fagin’s gang fearing betrayal kidnaps him back. Nancy, Bill Sikes’ lover, protects Oliver ("As Long as He Needs Me"), defying Sikes’ brutality. Her bid to return him to Brownlow ends in her murder ("Oom-Pah-Pah"), sparking Sikes’ downfall he falls to his death. Fagin flees, and Oliver finds a home with Brownlow, a tale of innocence amid rogues, ending in hope over despair, buoyed by Bart’s anthems.
Performance and Reception
The 1960 debut, after Wimbledon’s buzz, ran 2,618 performances Variety called it “a roaring success,” with Moody’s Fagin and Brown’s Nancy drawing over 2 million. The Times hailed its “vivid” Dickens, though some sniffed at its cheer. The 1994 Palladium revival, opening December 8, logged 927 shows WhatsOnStage’s five stars praised Pryce’s “wily” Fagin, though The Guardian noted a softened edge. Three 1995 Oliviers Revival, Actor (Pryce), Set Design crowned its return, with a cast recording topping charts. Critics adored its vigor over 3 million saw it across runs its raucous spirit trouncing early doubters, a West End gem reborn amid "Les Mis"’s reign, its streetwise charm undimmed by time.
Legacy in West End Theatre
"Oliver!"’s 3,545 total West End performances and five 1963 Tonys including Best Score rival "My Fair Lady"’s haul, its three 1995 Oliviers affirming its glow. A 1968 film with Moody and Oliver Reed won six Oscars, grossing $77 million, seen by 80 million, while global stagings 50+ countries hit 30 million. Bart’s hits "Reviewing the Situation" covered by Diana Ross and integrated storytelling endure via Music Theatre International, with 500+ annual productions. Its 1977 London revival (783 shows) and 2009 Palladium run (489 shows) with Rowan Atkinson signal timelessness, influencing "Sweeney Todd." From New Theatre to Palladium, it’s a West End colossus over 10 million albums sold its legacy a Dickensian heart wrapped in Bart’s Cockney verve, a glorious staple in Theatreland’s canon.