The largest production of Oliver! ever staged has landed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Lionel Bart’s classic, first staged in London in 1960, stars Griff Rhys Jones as Fagin. Appearing alongside them are the stars of BBC television’s I’d Do Anything, Jodie Prenger as Nancy with Gwion Wyn Jones, Zac Hurst and Francesco Piancentini-Smith alternating the title role.

An expansion of Sam Mendes’ iconic London Palladium production in the early 1990’s, Oliver! features a cast of 35 adults, a 22 piece orchestra and three alternating companies of 50 children. The breathtaking and ambitious set uses every inch of the Drury Lane’s expansive stage, and features some spectacular choreography by world renowned dancer and choreographer Matthew Bourne.

Oliver! features all your favourite classics as immortalised by the 1968 movie, including Food Glorious Food, Oom Pah Pah, You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two, As Long as He Needs Me and Consider Yourself, as well as a few fantastic songs you will only hear on the stage such as the hilarious I Shall Scream, That’s Your Funeral, and Bill Sykes’ menacing My Name.

On Wednesday evening performances, the role of Nancy will be played by Tamsin Carroll.

All cast appearances are subject to illness, emergency and holiday.

• Review from the Telegraph
• Review from the Daily Mail
• Review from the Times
• Jodie Prenger's official Website
• The Obeserver Profile: Rowan Atkinson

Atkinson forced out of Oliver! by hernia

Due to emergency surgery on an indirect inguinal hernia, Oliver! star Rowan Atkinson has been forced to withdraw from the show for three weeks on doctors' orders. Rowan had been coping with the complaint for several weeks, but it was exacerbated this week as he enjoyed a family holiday. His break was cut short by his immediate operation. Doctors predict that he will have recovered enough to return to the role of Fagin by Monday 27 April.

From 13th to 25th April, the role of Fagin will be played by comedian Russ Abbot. Abbot gained critical acclaim in the role during Sam Mendes' Palladium production in 1997. From now until 11th April, the role will be played by understudy Tim Laurenti. Russ Abbot is best known for his long career as a TV comedian. His many TV shows, including The Russ Abbot Show and Madhouse introduced Britain to such hilarious characters as Basildon Bond and C.U. Jimmy. His extensive theatre credits alongside Oliver! include Doctor Doolittle, My Fair Lady, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Rocky Horror Show.

Please note that no performances will be refunded or exchanged.

 

Posted by on Friday 3rd April 2009 at 1:32PM

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If you are hoping to see a particular performer appear in Oliver!, always check for holiday dates first to avoid disappointment. However, it is imoprtant to remember that in live theatre, it is never guaranteed that you will see you you want to as all cast appearances are subject to illness, emergency and holiday.

• Jody Prenger does not perfrom on Wednesday evenings, at these performances the role of Nancy will be played by Tamsin Carroll.