Podcast Summary: "Oliver! (Gielgud Theatre, West End) - ★★★★★ REVIEW" by MickeyJoTheatre
Host: Mickey-Jo
Episode Release Date: January 17, 2025
Podcast Title: MickeyJoTheatre
Introduction
In this episode, Mickey-Jo delivers an enthusiastic and comprehensive review of the latest West End revival of Lionel Bart's classic musical, "Oliver!". Hosted on his renowned YouTube channel and available across various podcast platforms, Mickey-Jo shares his deep passion for theatre, positioning himself as a leading voice in contemporary theatre criticism.
Notable Quote:
"I am obsessed with all things theater, particularly when it's this good, dare I say glorious."
(00:00)
Historical Context of "Oliver!"
Mickey-Jo begins by providing a brief history of "Oliver!", highlighting its origins as a 1960 musical based on Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist." He underscores the enduring appeal of the story, which encapsulates the struggles of a young orphan navigating the harsh realities of 19th-century London.
Key Points:
- Original Production: 1960 musical by Lionel Bart.
- Source Material: Based on "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens.
- Themes: Orphaned child facing physical and emotional challenges in London.
- Cultural Impact: Comparisons drawn between "Oliver!" and other British musicals like "Annie" and "Les Misérables."
Notable Quote:
"Such pure and again, Les Miserablesque outpourings of love and longing... the show itself is a rich masterpiece."
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Overview of the New Production
The latest revival of "Oliver!" is produced by the illustrious Sir Cameron Mackintosh and staged at the Gielgud Theatre. Directed and choreographed by Sir Matthew Bourne, this production emphasizes a darker, more intense interpretation of the beloved classic.
Key Points:
- Producer: Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
- Director/Choreographer: Sir Matthew Bourne.
- Premiere: Regional tryout at Chichester Festival Theatre last year; official West End opening in January 2025.
- Run Extension: Extended to March 2026, with expectations of further extensions.
- Set Design: Incorporates subtle video screens, multi-level sets, and revolving pieces to enhance the storytelling.
Notable Quote:
"This is a new production, directed and choreographed by Sir Matthew Bourne... it's going to be extending again because this feels like an Oliver that... possibly forever."
(00:00 - 00:30)
Musical Analysis
Mickey-Jo delves into the musicality of "Oliver!", praising Lionel Bart's composition for its versatility and emotional depth. He categorizes the songs into three distinct musical moods:
-
Joyful and Uproarious:
- Examples: "Food, Glorious Food," "It's a Fine Life," "Consider Yourself."
- Characteristics: Rousing, lively, embodying resilience despite bleak circumstances.
-
Dark and Sinister:
- Examples: "That's You, Funeral," "Boy for Sale."
- Characteristics: Gritty, insidious tones reflecting the grim realities of Oliver's world.
-
Emotional Ballads:
- Examples: "Where Is Love?", "As Long As He Needs Me."
- Characteristics: Deeply moving, expressing love, longing, and fleeting optimism.
Key Points:
- Song Quality: Consistently high-quality compositions that remain relevant and impactful decades after their creation.
- Favorite Numbers: "Consider Yourself" and "As Long As He Needs Me" receive particular praise for their emotional resonance and melodic strength.
Notable Quote:
"I think this still probably has to sit within the top 10 of the best ever written British musicals. Maybe the top five, maybe the top three. Three. It's that good."
(00:00 - 00:50)
Staging and Creative Elements
The production's staging, direction, and choreography receive high acclaim from Mickey-Jo. He highlights Matthew Bourne's ability to infuse traditional elements with innovative theatrical techniques, creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience.
Key Points:
- Set Design: Expansive, multi-level sets with walkways spilling into the auditorium, creating an immersive environment.
- Lighting Design: Masterfully executed by Paulie Constable and Ben Jacobs, the lighting contrasts the oppressive atmosphere of the workhouse and sourberry household with the warmer, safer settings Oliver experiences later.
- Choreography: Fluid and dynamic, effectively capturing the chaos and camaraderie of London's streets.
- Visual Effects: Use of dense fog and revolving bridges to emphasize the bleakness and tension within the narrative.
Notable Quote:
"The lighting design... felt moonlit... And it's indicative both of a city on fire. They are abandoning everything that they have known... it also feels like a sunrise and of a new beginning."
(Timestamp not specified)
Performances and Cast
Mickey-Jo provides a detailed analysis of the cast's performances, commending each actor for their nuanced portrayals and vocal prowess.
Key Cast Members:
-
Oliver: Kian Eagle Service
- Performance: Exhibits exceptional vocal strength and emotional depth, particularly in songs like "Where Is Love?"
- Notable Quote:
"He belted that song out like I have never heard before. Like it was someone like you from Jekyll and Hyde."
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Fagin: Simon Lipkin
- Performance: Combines charming showmanship with a portrayal of Fagin's internal struggles and vulnerabilities.
- Notable Quote:
"He is also a magician. He uses a lot of that sleight of hand as well as that very presentational, charming, charismatic quality in his portrayal of Fagin."
(Timestamp not specified)
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Nancy: Shanae Holmes
- Performance: Delivers a passionate and emotionally charged rendition of "As Long As He Needs Me," capturing Nancy's complexity and inner turmoil.
- Notable Quote:
"Her particular brand of passion and delivery is such a winning combination with this song."
(Timestamp not specified)
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Bill Sykes: Aaron Sidwell
- Performance: Portrays Sykes with a blend of menace and underlying vulnerability, adding depth to a traditionally one-dimensional antagonist.
- Notable Quote:
"He feels very attentive, very alive, and all the more dangerous for that very threatening now."
(Timestamp not specified)
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The Artful Dodger: Billy Jenkins
- Performance: Brings a natural charisma and depth to the role, effectively balancing comedy with the character's streetwise savvy.
- Notable Quote:
"His facial expressions and his physicality. He's such a natural born geezer."
(Timestamp not specified)
Supporting Cast:
Mickey-Jo also highlights the excellence of the supporting ensemble, including Philip Franks as Mr. Brownlow, Jamie Burkett as Mr. Sourberry, and the comedic duo of Katie Secombe and Oscar Conlon Mori as Widow Corney and Mr. Bumble, respectively.
Notable Quote:
"Katie Secombe's relentless commitment to character and Oscar's ability to get a laugh with the slightest little detail... they're wonderful together."
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Conclusion
Mickey-Jo concludes his review with high praise for the revival, emphasizing its potential to become a staple of the West End. He lauds the production's ability to balance tradition with innovation, resulting in a compelling and emotionally resonant rendition of "Oliver!" that honors the original while offering fresh perspectives.
Key Points:
- Overall Impression: An exceptionally well-crafted production that revitalizes a classic musical for contemporary audiences.
- Future Prospects: With its extended run and positive reception, the revival is poised for lasting success in the West End.
- Personal Endorsement: Mickey-Jo expresses his eagerness to revisit the show and recommends it as a must-see theatrical experience.
Notable Quote:
"It's what I call a really perfect version of Oliver. This is exactly what I want this material to look like, to, to sound like, to feel like... emotionally caught up with it."
(Timestamp not specified)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Introduction to Review:
"I am obsessed with all things theater, particularly when it's this good, dare I say glorious."
(00:00) -
Production's Longevity:
"It's going to be extending again because this feels like an Oliver that has been brought back to the West End in order to run for a really long time, possibly forever."
(00:00 - 00:30) -
Musical Excellence:
"I think this still probably has to sit within the top 10 of the best ever written British musicals. Maybe the top five, maybe the top three. Three. It's that good."
(00:00 - 00:50) -
Lighting Design Impact:
"They are abandoning everything that they have known... it also feels like a sunrise and of a new beginning."
(Timestamp not specified) -
Performance Highlights:
"He belted that song out like I have never heard before."
(Timestamp not specified)
"Katie Secombe's relentless commitment to character and Oscar's ability to get a laugh with the slightest little detail... they're wonderful together."
(Timestamp not specified) -
Overall Praise:
"It's what I call a really perfect version of Oliver. This is exactly what I want this material to look like, to, to sound like, to feel like... emotionally caught up with it."
(Timestamp not specified)
Final Thoughts
Mickey-Jo's review of "Oliver!" at the Gielgud Theatre is a testament to the enduring power of classic musicals when revitalized with fresh vision and exceptional talent. His detailed analysis offers listeners a vivid portrayal of the production's strengths, from its musical compositions and innovative staging to its stellar performances. For theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this revival of "Oliver!" emerges as a must-see event in the West End's vibrant landscape.
Engage with Mickey-Jo:
- YouTube: MickeyJoTheatre
- Podcast Platforms: Available wherever you listen to podcasts.
- Subscription Prompt: "If you enjoyed this review... make sure you give me a follow or subscribe wherever you are enjoying it."
Call to Action:
Mickey-Jo encourages listeners to share their thoughts and experiences with the production in the comments section and stay tuned for more in-depth reviews, news recaps, and features on his channel.
End of Summary