Oliver! Extends West End Run and Confirms Initial London Casting

The upcoming West End production of Oliver! has already extended its run, even before the show begins its load-in at the Gielgud Theatre. Initially set to open in previews on 14 December 2024, the musical has now extended its booking window to 28 September 2025. With Sunday matinees starting on 9 March 2025 and additional midweek matinees scheduled for July and August to accommodate the summer holidays, Oliver! is poised for a major spell in London’s West End.

The show, which earned rave reviews when it premiered at Chichester’s Festival Theatre over the summer, is brought to life by Cameron Mackintosh. Direction and choreography are helmed by Matthew Bourne, with Jean-Pierre van der Spuy as co-director. Adapted from Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist by Lionel Bart, the musical follows the journey of an orphaned boy who escapes the harsh confines of a workhouse and finds himself in the criminal underworld of London. Iconic songs such as “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two,” and “As Long As He Needs Me” are central to the production.

Initial casting for the London run has been confirmed, with several familiar faces returning. Simon Lipkin will reprise his role as Fagin, with Shanay Holmes (Miss Saigon, The Bodyguard) as Nancy and Aaron Sidwell (Henry VI, Wicked) as Bill Sikes. Billy Jenkins (Les Misérables, BBC’s Dodger) takes on the role of the Artful Dodger, Philip Franks (The Rocky Horror Show, Witness for the Prosecution) will play Mr. Brownlow, Oscar Conlon-Morrey will portray Mr. Bumble, and Katy Secombe (The Music Man, Les Misérables) will star as Widow Corney. Stephen Matthews (Strictly Ballroom, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) is cast as Mr. Sowerberry/Dr. Grimwig, with Jamie Birkett (Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Mamma Mia The Party) as Mrs. Sowerberry/Mrs. Bedwin. The full London cast is expected to be announced soon.

The creative team includes designer Lez Brotherston, musical supervisor and conductor Graham Hurman, lighting designers Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs, sound designer Adam Fisher, and projection designer George Reeve. Original orchestrations by William David Brohn, with orchestral adaptation by Stephen Metcalfe, will feature prominently. Choreographic associates Etta Murfitt and Sam Archer, casting directors Felicity French and Paul Wooller, and children’s casting director Verity Naughton round out the production team.

With the extended run and the announcement of a stellar cast and creative team, Oliver! is set to be a must-see production in the West End, blending timeless music and a fresh, vibrant approach to this Dickensian classic.