Oliver! - Leeds Playhouse

What an absolutely fantastic show. At the interval and it is superb. Can't wait for the second half - high energy, insanely talented kids.

I saw a quote by one of the creatives saying something about every seat feeling like it’s at the centre of the action. I’m assuming this is just because it’s in the round, or is it because the cast going out into the audience or something? 

Poll added. 

An easy five stars from me. What a SUPERB production! I drove a 460 mile round trip to see this and would do it again tomorrow. I can't think of any weak spots - an absolute joy. Dark, brooding, spilling into tsunami waves of ensemble joy. High energy, some of the most talented kids you'll ever see on a stage. Steve Furst has made some brave character choices which are rewarded - probably the best Fagin I've seen. Doesn't play for laughs (though they happen), avoids the usual clichés and brings shape, definition and depth to the role. And plays the violin beautifully too. So many superb performances in this show and a brutally scary Bill Sykes - refreshing to see a show where they don't dilute the gritty bits and certainly don't pull punches. I didn't think the Sam Mendes Palladium version could be bettered... well, it might have a challenger in this production. Go and see it!

EDIT: just had an afterthought... The genius of Lionel Bart really shines through in this show and made me contemplate why so much mediocre rubbish like "The Witches" makes it to the stage. Going through the song list in the programme with my daughters was literally like reading a "greatest stage hits" compilation list. Lionel Bart, whilst departed, can 'consider himself' immortalised by this show.

Both - it's in the round and the cast use every bit of space going. If you're front row, mind your feet and stay alert!

Me too - that moment after Bill hit her before "As Long As He Needs Me". Her quivering bottom lip and jaw - I really felt her pain. And the way she looked at him in his song "My Name". Like she absolutely adored him. She took the roof off with her performance yesterday - a pitch perfect and brilliant Nancy.

It's in the round and spills into audience spaces. No audience interaction but if you're in the front row then there's quite a bit of dashing about in chase scenes.

I regret not booking for this. Looks different to the twee version that CM bungs around.

Saw this yesterday evening as part of a two-show day in Leeds and it's truly spectacular.

Frankie Hart was playing Nancy, having made her debut as 1st cover for the role the previous evening. She was brilliant and brought the house down with her As Long As He Needs Me. It looked like she was taking in and soaking up every moment of the rapturous standing ovation the cast received at the bows. Rachel Clare Chan was covering Bet and Martha Pothen as Mrs Sowerby.

The atmospheric scaffolded set, how they bring the action out into the auditorium (Newsies style), the characterisation and portrayals of Fagin and Bill Sykes, the infectious energy of the company, the breathtaking choreography, the sense of danger and menace that hangs in the darkness... The execution of every aspect of this outstanding production is simply flawless. I'd Do Anything and Consider Yourself are standout moments but the staging of Who Will Buy makes that a highlight too. This is an Oliver reimagined and like no other.

And where to begin with the talent they've unearthed for the principal child roles and throughout the diverse young ensemble? Felix Holt in particular is a revelation as Dodger.

All in all, this was a day of two very different but equally outstanding shows. If anyone is heading to Leeds in the.coming weeks, I can 100% recommend making a day of it and seeing both Oliver and the equally outstanding Robin Hood: The Rock and Roll Panto at City Varieties Music Hall, around 10 minutes walk from Leeds Playhouse. Both shows have been receiving five-star reviews and the hype is real!

Surely this production is going to have a future life? It's hard to imagine how any other version of Oliver planned for the West End or elsewhere could live up to this. It's a thrilling, exhilarating, heart wrenching triumph for Leeds Playhouse. Let's hope Cameron Mackintosh is reviewing the situation and ready to do anything to bring it to London or on the road. If not, I'd do whatever it takes - even pick a pocket or two - in order to see this in Leeds.

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe originated at Leeds Playhouse and was originally in the round but has toured in different configurations since. Maybe there’s a tour in Oliver! although if the rumour about a CFT production next year subsequently transferring is true then maybe not.

It does seem a bit awkward that this production is getting such raves, but its another production that already has a transfer planned. I'm surprised Cameron allowed two productions in the same 12 month period

Jesus, if they're hoping that trailer will entice people to see the show... It looks awful.

Not the best trailer but interesting that one of the kids knocks Olivers bowl onto the floor and so he asks for more. I've never seen that before