More than 50 years since it was first staged, Lionel Bart's Oliver!
still manages to walk the tightrope of staying true to its original source and giving the audience something new. This production opened in 2009 with Rowan Atkinson and Jodie Prenger in the lead adult roles of Fagin and Nancy, after Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber found himself another leading lady via Saturday night telly.
This touring version has been on the go since December, when it opened in Cardiff, and comedian Brian Conley plays it for laughs as sticky-fingered mentor Fagin. A pleasing duelling duet during the second act's Reviewing The Situation got the chortle factor spot on, while it went a touch towards the pantosphere with his dealings with Bill Sikes (Iain Fletcher). The Bill's Cat Simmons was a triple threat Nancy and brought a youthful – and saucy – energy to Oom-Pah-Pah with its Victorian ribaldry going into overdrive. Her rendition of As Long As He Needs Me, although not tear-inducing, evoked a distinct feeling of her entrapment – but not quite the sheer futility and heartbreak needed to really make it a showstopper.
On Thursday evening the young lead performers were 12-year-old Harry Polden as Oliver and livewire Max Griesbach as the Artful Dodger. A heart-pinging Where is Love? followed by an astounding Consider Yourself made for the high spot of the show, showcasing the wonderful scenery and super slick ensemble work. I'd Do Anything and Who Will Buy? also highlighted Matthew Bourne's exceptional choreography, which has been lovingly tweaked by Geoffrey Garratt for this update.
Director Laurence Connor captures the Dickensian lasciviousness without venturing to far from family-friendly. This Oliver! will have you giggling, clapping and captivated if you catch it.
At Edinburgh Playhouse to June 23.
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