Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Performance dates
14 December 2024 - 29 March 2026
Run time TBC
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Oliver! London tickets
Glorious news! Lionel Bart’s iconic musical, Oliver! is now playing at London’s Gielgud Theatre. Who could ask for anything more?! Going with a gang? Save money without picking a pocket or two, when you book for ten people or more. Further details can be found at the bottom of the page.
What is Oliver! About?
A beloved gem among British musicals, Oliver! follows a young orphan who overcomes mistreatment, deception, and abduction to make a better life for himself and his new-found friends. Adapted from Charles Dickens’ ever-popular novel, the musical includes some of theatre's most loved songs, including; ‘Food Glorious Food’, ‘Consider Yourself’, ‘You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two’, ‘I’d Do Anything’, ‘Oom Pah Pah’, and the heartbreaking ‘As Long As He Needs Me’_._
Born into poverty and misfortune, Oliver Twist escapes the harsh conditions of a workhouse and ventures into the streets of London. There, he encounters a cast of colourful characters, including the Artful Dodger, the villainous Fagin, the kind-hearted Nancy, and the menacing Bill Sikes. As Oliver navigates a world filled with danger and deception, he seeks love, family, and a place to call home.
Facts and Critical Acclaim
- Oliver! was the first musical composed by a British writer to be a major hit on Broadway, opening in 1963 the show won three Tony Awards and ran for 774 performances.
- The musical has had equal success this side of the pond, with the original run and subsequent rivals receiving eight Olivier nominations.
- Oliver! is one of eight UK musicals to be featured on an official Royal Mail stamp.
Oliver! Cast
- Fagin - Simon Lipkin
- Nancy - Shanay Holmes
- Bill Sikes - Aaron Sidwell
- Artful Dodger - Billy Jenkins
- Mr Brownlow - Philip Franks
Oliver! Creatives
- Director and Choreographer - Matthew Bourne
- Co-Director - Jean-Pierre van der Spuy
- Designer - Lez Brotherston
- Lighting Designer - Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs
- Sound Designer - Adam Fisher
- Video Designer - George Reeve
- Orchestrations - William David Brohn
- Adapted by - Stephen Metcalfe
- Musical Supervisor - Graham Hurman
Recent Reviews
We absolutely loved this show. The cast were brilliant - the singing, the set, the dancing, the orchestra and of course the music - a wonderful night out.
The most amazing show! Brilliant cast, brilliant staging and of course, brilliant songs! A must see!
I’m lucky enough to have seen many west end shows and this is probably my favourite ever - absolutely exceptional. Can’t wait to see it again x
Great production. Excellent set design.
Amazing, all principals were at the top of their game. Ably supported by an ensemble who worked hard. Visual and aural treat. It's been said before but you MUST SEE IT!
it was simply brilliant. So much movement on stage; so many mini stories happening.This production is a tribute to the original.
What an incredible night! Such wholehearted performance from every single actor on the stage, pure joy! Unmissable experience.
Great cast , wonderful performance from all. Fabulous
We thoroughly enjoyed the professionalism of the artists and the quality of their voices, Fagan in particular was amazing . The sets were really clever and a real change from the sparseness of plays such as Hamlet .
Best musical I've seen!
Superb performance. Fantastic cast . A real pleasure to see . Highly recommend.
Absolutely incredible ! First class performance from all the cast . Loved it . Highly recommend.
Latest Oliver! News
News / Reviews / Features / New Shows + Transfers
Oliver! Review: Matthew Bourne’s Twisted Tale Hits The Bullseye
"Get yourself a cat!" Fagin cries as he narrowly escapes Bullseye. His wry advice to Bill is met with laughter from the packed Gielgud Theatre, but this production has a ferocity far sharper than its playful exterior might suggest. The show may carry a high-spirited, familiar tune or two, but, much like Sikes’ sidekick, its bite is fierce. A suffocating darkness bubbles around the edges, staying true to the gritty heart of Dickens' twisted tale.
The atmosphere is thick with tension as we catch glimpses of Victorian streets, funeral parlours, workhouses and bedsits. The claustrophobic nature of these settings is expertly crafted by lighting design duo Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs. Their masterful manipulation of light guides the audience through a contrasting world that is both menacing and joyous. The lighting effortlessly enhances the narrative, casting ominous shadows where characters seem to vanish in the pitch black night. A particular highlight is the eerie figure of the aforementioned Bullseye, brought to life through shadow, – a creature of menace, conjured from the very fabric of darkness.
The sets, designed with a stark, black-and-white aesthetic, add a haunting layer to the production, while the sharp angles and silhouettes add an almost gothic touch to the familiar streets of Victorian London. However, there is humour to be found here. World-renowned director and choreographer, Matthew Bourne, expertly deploys ‘coffin choreography’ to much delight. Characters jump in and out of the polished wooden box, a funny but striking visual metaphor that serves as a constant reminder of the harsh realities Oliver faces.
15 Jan, 2025 | By Sian McBride
News / Features / New Shows + Transfers
What's opening in London theatres this month? (December 2024)
December is here, and it’s as though London’s theatres are an oversized advent calendar, each door revealing a new gift for theatregoers. Forget chocolates and tiny toys—this year’s calendar offers iconic ballets, classic Shakespeares with a twist, and the musical version of Titanic that you never knew you needed. With the city aglow in twinkling lights and holiday spirit, December’s lineup is a theatrical feast fit for the festive season. Here’s what’s opening on London stages to get you into the holiday spirit (and make your gift list a whole lot easier).
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake | 3 December
Returning to Sadler's Wells with a fresh dose of grandeur, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake promises to enchant audiences once again with its iconic all-male swan ensemble. Known for its bold departure from the traditional ballet, Bourne’s Swan Lake swaps delicate tutus for fierce, powerful masculinity, adding new emotional depth to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.
This production is celebrated worldwide for its captivating storytelling and intense physicality, and audiences are in for a treat this December. Whether you’re a ballet aficionado or a newcomer, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is a must-see; the swans’ breathtaking elegance and Bourne’s visionary choreography make this production an unforgettable experience.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 3 December
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without a little magic, would it? A Midsummer Night’s Dream will cast its spell at the Barbican this December, starring Mathew Baynton as the hilariously bumbling Bottom. Known for his comedic genius in Horrible Histories and Ghosts, Baynton’s Bottom has already brought a fresh, whimsical energy to this fantastical comedy of mischief, romance, and mistaken identities during its critically acclaimed run at Shakespeare’s homeplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.
The playful production, directed by Eleanor Rhode, transforms the classic story imaginative approach, with vibrant sets and costumes that immerse the audience in a magical realm. In their 5-star review, The Guardian called it a ‘'Ravishing fusion of flamboyancy, surrealism and raucous fun' with the Birmingham Mail agreeing, praising it 'An absolute riot from beginning to end' If you’re ready for a blend of love potions, fairy mayhem, and some side-splitting humour, make sure to catch this unforgettable take on one of Shakespeare’s most beloved works.
Titanique | 9 December
Setting sail straight from its off-Broadway success, Titanique arrives in London with all the heart, humour, and high notes fans could hope for. This campy musical parody combines the blockbuster romance of Titanic with the music of Celine Dion, whose powerful ballads add an over-the-top twist to the story of Jack and Rose.
Featuring a boatload of cheeky humour and outrageous costumes, and starring a singing iceberg in the form of award-winning Strictly contestant, Layton Williams, it's an infectious and playful reimagining of one of cinema’s greatest love stories. Titanique at the Criterion Theatre is perfect for anyone seeking a night of feel-good fun this holiday season.
25 Nov, 2024 | By Sian McBride
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