"Oliver!" is a time-honoured
musical by Lionel Bart based on the novel by Charles Dickens
and follows the story a young boy, Oliver Twist, in 19th
Century London.
The story begins in a workhouse in a poverty-stricken
part of town, where after being as bold as to ask for a
second paltry portion of gruel, Oliver is punished by the
Workhouse management, Mr Bumble and the Widow Corney. He
is sold for the sum of 5 pounds to a local undertaker, Mr
Sowerberry. About to begin his new career as a coffin follower,
Oliver encounters Sowerberry's pimply, and provocative apprentice
Noah Claypole and his prospective belle, Charlotte. After
a barrage of insults from Noah, Oliver tries to fight back,
only to find himself trapped in a coffin with Mr Bumble
back on his case.
Oliver escapes and after a week of roaming
the streets of Paddington Green is befriended by a Mr Jack
Dawkins, otherwise known as the Artful Dodger. Taking pity
on Oliver, Dodger "interduces" him to Fagin and
the other boys in his establishment - a band of pickpockets.
From here the story twists and turns as
Oliver takes a journey that crosses paths with rich gentlemen,
the bow street runners and even murderers! But will he find
what he is looking for...love?
The show is a touching story that displays
all that is good and bad in human nature, and with famous
songs such as "Consider yourself at home", "Reviewing
the situation", "As long as he needs me",
and "Food glorious food", it is no wonder that
is has been a hit in professional and amateur circles since
the 1960s.
