Oliver! enjoys opening night

Rupert Goold’s revival of Oliver! the Musical opened last night at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and enjoyed a lengthy standing ovation from the jubilant audience. This polished production features a host of accomplished and well known actors; vibrant and inventive choreography from Matthew Bourne and a spectacular set by Anthony Ward.

Oliver! the Musical stars Omid Djalili as the sinister and miserly Fagin.

The cast also features Torchwood’s Burn Gorman, who gives the loathsome Bill Sykes a chilling and psychotic edge. Julian Glover appears as Mr Brownlow, Jordan Li-Smith as Charlie Bates, Julian Bleach as Mr Sowerberry and Louise Gold as Mrs Sowerberry/Mrs Bedwin. Young actor Ross McCormack brings bags of charisma to his role as the Artful Dodger.

Jodie Prenger plays the part of Nancy, having won the BBC television talent show I’d Do Anything. Jodie brings genuine warmth to the stage and it is easy to see why the judges chose her from all the other Nancy hopefuls. Also cast through the show, I’d Do Anything, are three talented young actors, Laurence Jeffcoate, Harry Stott and Gwion Jones, who share the role of Oliver.

Oliver! the Musical is produced by theatrical mastermind Cameron Mackintosh and is directed by the theatre’s golden boy Rupert Goold, who is Artistic Director of the Headlong Theatre Company and next year becomes Associate Director at the RSC. Although this production of Oliver is a revival of Sam Mendes’ 1994 Oliver! it feels glossier, bigger, more exciting, darker in places and extremely rewarding to watch.

Make sure that you catch Oliver! the Musical at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The show is booking until 27 February 2010.