OLIVER! At the Palace Theatre, Manchester
THE promotion blurb calls Oliver "Cameron Macintosh's Spectacular New Production" and spectacular it is.
This classic tale, with a heavyweight cast, certainly does not disappoint.
The first thing that strikes you is the actual set, which instantly transports you to 19th century London, not just by look but by smell.
The opening scene in the workhouse sets the tone with the outstanding young cast of orphans performing Food, Glorious Food great voices and great choreography ending with the immortal words "Please sir, may I have some more". And more is what we got.
From the parish beadle Mr Bumble to the ghoulish undertaker Mr Sowerberry the acting is top class and the scenes race by.
The audience instantly takes to young Oliver, played by Harry Polden, and both he and the Artful Dodger, played by Will Edden, are excellent. As the songs Where is Love and Consider Yourself come and go, we anxiously await Fagin's entrance.
And he does not let us down. Played by Neil Morrisey, he commands the stage with a great presence mesmerising us with his acting and vocals, including You've Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two.
There is even a subtle, yet very funny, reference to Morrisey's role as Bob the Builder, which the adults in the audience found amusing. However the darkness soon returns as the brutal Bill Sikes, played by Iain Fletcher, makes his entrance. He exudes menace and danger.
As we continue to be transported through Oliver's life as one of Fagin's gang we meet the beautiful and charismatic Nancy.
Played by Samantha Barks, she carries off her part with strong vocals that resonate around the theatre.
As Fagin's set up of young orphan pickpockets' starts to unravel, we see Fagin question his purpose in life and plan for his later years.
Once again Morrisey has everyone spellbound.
RB