- UK Premiere
- December 2024
- Age
- 7+
- Running Time
- 2hrs 40mins
- Date Reviewed
- 9 August 2025
Overall Score
Rating Overview
Rating Summary
Oliver! the Musical London Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Theatre: Gielgud Theatre, London
Date: Saturday 9th August 2025 (Matinée)
Director & Choreographer: Matthew Bourne
Producer: Cameron Mackintosh
Music & Lyrics: Lionel Bart
Copyright: Banner and Production shots: Johan Persson
🎭 “Please sir, can I have some more?”
Yes, yes you can—and you absolutely should. If you’re searching for an Oliver! the Musical London review that tells you whether this West End revival is worth the ticket, the answer is a resounding yes. Cameron Mackintosh’s reimagined production, directed and choreographed by Sir Matthew Bourne, delivers heart, humour, and timeless songs in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
This revival isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a confident, bold production that balances the grit and grime of Victorian London with the shimmer and spectacle expected of a modern West End show. From the moment the orchestra launches into Food, Glorious Food, you know you’re in for something special.
The Gielgud Theatre
There’s something magical about the Gielgud Theatre itself, nestled on Shaftesbury Avenue — a beating heart of London’s Theatreland. Walking through its doors, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that blends old-world charm with the buzz of contemporary London theatre.
The theatre’s warm, plush interiors perfectly complement the nostalgic feel of Oliver! the Musical, while the intimacy of the space allows every heartfelt note and whispered line to reach the audience. It’s the perfect venue for this 2025 West End revival, balancing grandeur and approachability.
✨ The Cast: Glorious from Top to Bottom
The strength of this Oliver! the Musical London production lies in its cast, who deliver powerhouse performances without ever feeling larger than life.
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Issac Nelson as Oliver – Tender but determined, with a voice that soars without tipping into syrupy territory.
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Billy Jenkins as the Artful Dodger – Effortlessly charismatic; his swagger and grin light up the stage, absolutely stand out performer in the production, one to keep an eye on that is for sure!
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Ava Brennan as Nancy – A vocal powerhouse; her As Long As He Needs Me earned one of the biggest ovations of the afternoon.
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Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Fagin – A clever mix of charm, mischief, and menace that keeps the audience guessing.
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Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes – Intensely menacing without slipping into caricature.
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Special mention – The young ensemble: polished, energetic, and professional beyond their years!
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🎶 Direction, Choreography & Design
Sir Matthew Bourne’s direction and choreography infuse the production with a crispness and dynamism that elevate the storytelling. The choreography perfectly balances the playfulness of numbers like Consider Yourself (an incredible stand-out number from the whole show!) with the tension of the show’s darker scenes.
The set design is a marvel, fluidly transforming between grimy backstreets and elegant ballrooms, evoking the many faces of Victorian London without ever slowing the pace. The live orchestra adds muscle and heart to Lionel Bart’s unforgettable score, ensuring every note hits home with emotional clarity.
This Oliver! the Musical London revival walks a fine line: it never becomes too heavy, retaining the sense of fun and hope central to the story while acknowledging its darker themes.
Why This Revival is a Must-See
What sets this production apart is how it embraces its identity as a big, warm-hearted golden-age musical while injecting fresh energy and modern sensibility. It invites both die-hard fans and newcomers to experience a story of resilience, friendship, and hope.
From the toe-tapping tunes to the unforgettable characters, this is a London theatre experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls. Whether you’re captivated by Dodger’s charm, moved by Nancy’s sacrifice, or intrigued by Fagin’s moral complexity, this revival offers something for everyone.
Final Verdict – Matinée Dog’s Tail-Wag Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A sparkling five-star review for Oliver! the Musical at London’s Gielgud Theatre
Matinée Dog gives this 2025 West End revival of Oliver! the Musical the full five stars — a rating reserved only for productions that completely capture our hearts. From powerhouse performances to Matthew Bourne’s crisp choreography and Cameron Mackintosh’s lavish production design, this show delivers everything a London theatre-goer could ever want: heart, humour, and unforgettable songs.
Whether you’re drawn to the cheeky charm of the Artful Dodger, the powerhouse vocals of Nancy, or the magnetic mischief of Fagin, this five-star production will leave you humming all the way down Shaftesbury Avenue, don’t believe us try for yourself.
Seen Oliver! already? Tell us in the comments: who stole the show for you?
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Watch the Show Trailer below:
