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We are absolutely delighted to share that Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, is back on the London stage under the choreography and direction of Matthew Bourne, with co-direction from Jean-Pierre van der Spuy, and has been revised and produced by Cameron Mackintosh.
About
Oliver!, one of the capital’s best-loved musicals which was first staged 65 years ago, is being performed at the historic Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Based on Dickens’ Oliver Twist, it follows the story of orphaned Oliver who, after being thrown out of the workhouse for asking “Please sir, I want some more”, runs away to London in the hope of a better life.
The music, lyrics and book were written by English writer and composer Lionel Bart. It premiered at the Noel Coward Theatre on 30 June 1960 and subsequently ran for a record-breaking 2618 performances.
The score includes Food Glorious Food, Where is Love?, Consider Yourself, I’d Do Anything and Oom-Pah-Pah – some of the best known and most loved songs in the history of musicals.
In her review for London Theatre, Marianka Swain says: “Cameron Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne’s marvellous revival of Lionel Bart’s beloved Charles Dickens musical has already extended its run at the Gielgud Theatre, where it transferred from Chichester, and no wonder: this is a simply glorious Oliver!, and a must for family audiences (even if you’ve got to pick a pocket or two)… It’s a triumph.”
Oliver! is booking until 26 March 2026.
Getting there
The Gielgud Theatre is a 20-minute walk from Hertford Street, which takes you along Piccadilly. Alternatively, you can take Piccadilly line from Green Park to Piccadilly Circus.
Also in the area
The National Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery
Leicester Square