Consider yourself at home with Oliver! the Musical.

This classic west-end production is being brought alive this week in Blackpool’s Grand Theatre by the talented Ensemble Theatre.

Featuring famous songs such as Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and As Long As He Needs Me performed by the talented cast and the brilliant music composition.

The story of Oliver Twist is Charles Dickens second novel and was published in instalments between 1837 and 1839. The novel focuses on the story of a poor orphan boy who makes the mistake of asking for another portion of gruel which sparks a tale of misadventures. Oliver tries to escape the life of poverty and crime in Victorian London, hoping he’ll find a family home, one where he can be truly loved.

The staging is simple but effective, as the actors own the stage. The acting throughout the show is fantastic as the emotions on the cast’s faces invest you into their story, transporting you into their world.
The hunger is clear on the workhouse during ‘Food Glorious Food’ and Mr Bumble and Mrs Corney are cold and uncaring about their workers. The undertakers make your skin crawl during their song ‘It’s Your Funeral’ with their creepy nature. And Bill Sykes is suitably terrifying; the perfect villain who everyone on stage is scared of.

Goosebumps will occur when you hear Oliver singing ‘Where is Love’ and Nancy’s raw, emotive, powerful voice when she sings ‘As Long as he Needs me’, which moved everyone in the room.

The relationship between the Artful Dodger and Fagan will make you laugh and smile. Their cheeky cheery attitudes bring their characters to life. Dodger is cool and collective; bringing young Oliver under his wing to guide him. Fagan is witty and eccentric and his song ‘Reviewing the Situation’ had the crowd in stiches.

The highlights of the show were the songs, ‘Consider Yourself’ and ‘Who Will Buy’. The harmonies from the performers were outstanding, the dancing and costumes really made those songs stand out.
The theatre was packed with people of all ages and you will find yourself singing along to those classic songs in no time.

Overall the show was highly applauded as it really is a Dickens of a show to watch.

Oliver! is performing every night until Saturday 15 September at 7.30pm, including Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets are priced from £8 and are on sale from box office. Call (01253) 290190 or book online at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

Music, Lyrics and Book by Lionel Bart. Produced for the Broadway stage by David Merrick and Donald Albery. By arrangement with MusicScope and Stage Musicals Ltd. of New York.

Review by Keyleigh, Blackpool