Overview
Synopsis
Bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved novel to life, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! takes audiences on a wild adventure through Victorian England. Join young,orphaned Oliver Twist as he navigates the London’s underworld of theft and violence, searching for a home, a family, and - most importantly - for love. When Oliver is picked up on the street by a boy named the Artful Dodger, he is welcomed into a gang of child pickpockets led by the conniving, but charismatic, Fagin. When Oliver is falsely accused of a theft he didn’t commit, he is rescued by a kind and wealthy gentleman, to the dismay of Fagin’s violent sidekick, Bill Sikes. Caught in the middle is the warm-hearted Nancy, who is trapped under Bill’s thumb, but desperate to help Oliver, with tragic results. With spirited, timeless songs like “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Food, Glorious Food,” and “Where Is Love,” Oliver! is a musical classic.
Show Information
Context
The musical Oliver! Is based on the 1838 novel “Oliver Twist,” by Charles Dickens.
The musical premiered at the Wimbledon Theatre in London in 1960. Shortly after the show's premiere run, it opened in the West End where it played for a record-breaking run. The success in England made Oliver! a sure-fire Broadway hit when it came to America in 1962. The show’s run on Broadway won Lionel Bart the 1963 Tony award for Best Original Score. The next adaptation of the hit musical was on film in
to read the context for Oliver! and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
The show opens to reveal a dark and bland dining hall full of dozens of young workhouse boys. It is raining outside, adding to the gloomy atmosphere. The boys are starved and dream of all the delicious food they could eat to quell their great appetites. Much to their dismay, they are given only a measly bowlful of gruel for their half-hearted meal (“Food, Glorious, Food”). One young boy, still left hungry from the small meal approaches their keeper, Mr. Bumble, and courageously
to read the plot for Oliver! and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Treble/Boy Soprano |
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|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
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Supporting |
Male |
Bass-Baritone |
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|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Spoken |
Songs
Act One
- Prologue / Overture – Orchestra
- Food, Glorious Food– Workhouse Boys
- Oliver!– Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney
- I Shall Scream – Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney
- Boy for Sale – Mr. Bumble
- That's Your Funeral – Mr. Sowerberry, Mrs. Sowerberry, and Mr. Bumble
- Coffin Music – Orchestra
- Where is Love? – Oliver
- The Fight - Orchestra
- Oliver's Escape – Orchestra
- Consider Yourself – The Artful Dodger, Oliver, and Chorus
- You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two – Fagin and Fagin's Gang
- It's a Fine Life – Nancy, Bet, and Fagin's Gang
- I’d Do Anything– The Artful Dodger, Nancy, Oliver, Bet, Fagin, and Fagin's Gang
- Be Back Soon – Fagin, The Artful Dodger, Oliver and Fagin's Gang
- Capture of Oliver – Orchestra
Act Two
- Oom-Pah-Pah – Nancy and Chorus
- My Name – Bill Sikes
- As Long as He Needs Me – Nancy
- Where Is Love? (Reprise) – Mrs. Bedwin
- Who Will Buy? – Oliver, Vendors, and Chorus
- It's a Fine Life (Reprise) – Bill Sikes, Nancy, Fagin, and The Artful Dodger
- Reviewing the Situation – Fagin
- Oliver! (Reprise) – Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney
- As Long As He Needs Me (Reprise) – Nancy
- London Bridge – Orchestra
- Reviewing the Situation (Reprise) – Fagin
- Finale – Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
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Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A traditional London dialect spoken by working-class people, especially in the East End, characterized by unique phonology (like vowel shifts and the dropped 'h' sound), specific grammar, and most notably, Cockney Rhyming Slang. A "true" Cockney is often defined by their birth within the sound of the Bow Bells of St Mary-le-Bow church, making it a strong cultural and social identifier.
A period of artistic flourishing, often referring to 1940s-60s Broadway or English Renaissance theatre. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
The “Golden Age Musical” refers to Broadway shows written roughly between the 1940s and 1960s, a period known for integrating songs, story, and character development. These musicals often balanced romance, comedy, and social themes with memorable melodies and large ensembles. Classics from this era continue to shape the foundation of modern musical theatre.
A revival is a new production of a play or musical after its original run has ended, often reimagined for a new generation of audiences. Revivals may stay faithful to the original staging or update elements like design, casting, or interpretation. They are a cornerstone of theatre tradition, keeping classic works alive and relevant.
A sentimental ballad about unrequited love, often featured in musicals or cabaret performances.
Relating to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901), which influenced theatrical style, costume, and themes.
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