A Dickensian Delight - "Oliver!” at The Regent

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Based on the 1838 novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, Lionel Bart’s musical "Oliver!" is a timeless classic that has graced the stages of theatres worldwide since 1960, and the recent production I had the pleasure of attending at the Regent Theatre in Stoke On Trent was nothing short of excellent.

By special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh, this amateur production is licensed by Music Theatre International and brought to the stage by Staffordshire’s Stage Productions. The story follows a young orphan as he navigates Victorian London, from the workhouse, to the funeral directors apprentice to pick pocketing. Set against the backdrop of London in the Victorian era, this adaptation transported the audience to a past era of hardship and hope.

The cast were the excellent, and possibly the largest cast I’ve seen on a stage in some time. Jayden Kay’s portrayal of Oliver Twist was excellent. The innocence and naivety of the character shone through in every scene, and his singing brought a delicate feel to the role. Fagin was played by Craig Armstrong, and he gave a perfect blend of charm and cunning. His performance of "Reviewing the Situation" was a highlight that had the audience applauding and me & my wife giving each other a couple of knowing looks.

The supporting cast was equally impressive. The street urchins, led by the spirited Artful Dodger (Shaylan Wright) brought energy and charisma to the stage, while the sinister Bill Sikes sent shivers down the audience's spines. Bill was played by Sam Hands, who I realised was a teacher at my Sons’ school! He gave a commanding performance and really owned it.

The ensemble's vocal performances along with a fantastic live orchestra really added depth to the whole production.

The set design and costumes captured the feel of 19th-century London perfectly. The dimly lit streets and the contrast of the interior sets were a feast for the eyes.

Musically, "Oliver!" is a masterpiece, and wether you’ve seen it or not, everyone has heard the songs at some point in their lives. This production did justice to Lionel Bart's iconic score, with songs like "Consider Yourself" and "As Long as He Needs Me" performed by Kayleigh Ann Armstrong beautifully executed with loads of appreciation from the audience.

The choreography was a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, creating dynamic and captivating dance numbers. It wasn’t always as polished as other productions, but it was impressive nonetheless.

Overall it was an enjoyable evening at the theatre. The cast, the design, the music and the enduring plot combined to create a memorable performance that left me humming “Consider Yourself” long after curtain fell. It’s an amateur production that felt anything but amateur. Whether you're a longtime fan of Dickens’ masterpiece or new to the story, if you love theatre, this production of "Oliver!" is a must-see for all ages.

My Verdict: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Oliver! is playing at the Regent Theatre NOW until and including Saturday 21st October. Tickets are on sale and are available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or visiting www.atgtickets.com/stoke