Based on Charles Dickens ' famous novel, Oliver Twist, Oliver! is a musical that was highly regarded (and I wanted to see it when visiting London). I purchased the best seats I could find (O16, O17) for Saturday evening's (March 21, 2026) performance at the Gielgud Theater.
The musical was very well staged and acted, with excellent special effects. Sometimes, it was hard for me to understand the English accent used in the songs.
The standout performance was by Fagin, the king of the pickpockets. He was such a fun character and acted brilliantly on stage.
According to the Gielgud Theater's program:
The cast includes Simon Lipkin (Guys and Dolls, Avenue Q) as Fagin, Ava Brennan (Hamilton, Les Misérables) as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell (Henry VI, Wicked) as Bill Sikes, Aaron MacGregor as the Artful Dodger and Philip Franks (The Rocky Horror Show, Witness for the Prosecution) as Mr Brownlow.
Produced and revised by Cameron Mackintosh, Oliver! is directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne and co-directed by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy. Designed by Lez Brotherston, lighting is by Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs, sound design by Adam Fisher, video design by George Reeve, original orchestrations by William David Brohn adapted by Stephen Metcalfe; music supervision is by Graham Hurman.
With a sensational score, including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more, the Olivier, Tony and Oscar-winning masterpiece vividly brings to life Dickens’ ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more.
🎠Oliver! – Act-by-Act Synopsis
ACT I
The musical opens in a grim Victorian workhouse, where orphaned boys suffer hunger and cruelty under the watch of Mr. Bumble and the Widow Corney.
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“Food, Glorious Food”
The boys dream of a life with enough to eat. Encouraged by the others, Oliver famously asks for more gruel — an act of innocence that lands him in serious trouble. -
“Oliver!” / “I Shall Scream” / “Boy for Sale”
Bumble and Corney decide Oliver must be rid of. He is sold as an apprentice to Mr. Sowerberry, an undertaker. -
“That’s Your Funeral”
Oliver’s mistreatment continues, and after a fight with another apprentice, he runs away to London. -
“Where Is Love?”
Alone and frightened, Oliver longs for kindness and belonging.
Arriving in London, Oliver meets the charismatic Artful Dodger, who introduces him to a lively new “family”.
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“Consider Yourself”
Oliver is welcomed into a gang of boys led by Fagin, who trains children to pick pockets. -
“You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two”
Fagin cheerfully explains his philosophy of survival through crime.
Oliver witnesses the darker side of this world through Nancy, a warm-hearted young woman trapped in a relationship with the violent criminal Bill Sikes.
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“It’s a Fine Life”
Nancy sings ironically about making the best of hardship. -
“I’d Do Anything”
The boys compete to show their loyalty to Fagin, while Oliver remains innocent and eager to please. -
“Be Back Soon”
Fagin and the boys set out on a robbery. During a pickpocketing attempt, Oliver is mistakenly accused but rescued by the kindly gentleman Mr Brownlow, who takes him home.
Act I ends with Oliver seemingly safe at last.
ACT II
Oliver enjoys warmth, books, and care in Mr. Brownlow’s home.
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“Who Will Buy?”
A lyrical street scene shows London at its most hopeful, reflecting Oliver’s new sense of possibility.
Meanwhile, Fagin and Bill Sikes fear Oliver will betray them.
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“Oom-Pah-Pah”
In a noisy pub, Nancy tries to drown out her misery with bravado and drink. -
“My Name”
Bill Sikes asserts his brutal dominance, revealing the danger he poses.
Nancy is torn between fear and compassion.
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“As Long as He Needs Me”
She expresses her conflicted devotion to Bill, one of the show’s most emotional moments.
Oliver is kidnapped back to the slums, and Fagin debates his own future.
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“Reviewing the Situation”
Fagin weighs the risks of crime versus respectability, ultimately choosing survival over morality.
Nancy secretly warns Mr Brownlow of Oliver’s danger.
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“As Long as He Needs Me” (Reprise)
Her resolve strengthens, but Bill discovers her betrayal.
Nancy is tragically murdered by Bill Sikes, who later meets his own violent end while fleeing the law.
In the aftermath:
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“Oliver!” (Reprise)
Bumble and Corney fall from power as their hypocrisy is exposed.
Oliver’s true identity is revealed — he has inherited a fortune — but more importantly, he has found a home.
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Finale
Oliver is reunited with Mr Brownlow and the surviving characters, closing the show with a hopeful celebration of compassion, community, and second chances.
Overall Themes
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Innocence versus corruption
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Chosen family
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Social injustice and moral responsibility
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Oliver! Musical Review
Hihglights
- Simon Lipkin's performance as Fagin - the king of the pickpockets - was the standout of the show
Lowlights
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