Rupert Goold's revival of Oliver!, based on the Dicken's classic Oliver Twist, is a feast for the eyes, and a charming production geared towards the younger generation, which comprised a large part of the house. The monumnetal Theatre Royale, Drury Lane offers a myriad of possibilities for spectacle, and the show certainly lives up to this call.
Employing a cast of early 80, the major musical numbers, such as "Consider Yourself" and "Be Back Soon" are a flurry of activity, and at times can be too much for the eyes to handle. The set design by Anthony Ward adds yet more extravagance, but are dazzling and showcase the technical possibilities of the musical in the 21st century. At one moment we see a city block with snow in the background and majestic buildings and street lamps lining the street, and before we can blink it shoots up and out of sight as the ragged chamber of Fagin and his boys emerges from the floor.
The story is for the most part light-hearted and entertaining, but marked by some darker, violent moments in Act II and some sexual gestures in Act I that may have been a bit out of place for the show's target audience. However, the performances from Oliver, Dodger, and Nancy, portrayed by Gwion Wyn Jones, Ben Wilson, and Kerry Ellis respectively, overshadow these murky areas and compliment the bravura that the show lives on.
Overall, I believe that the show was successful in conveying an entertaining story through the scenic brilliance that we have come to expect from musicals, and providing an opportunity for an enjoyable night at the theatre for the whole family.
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