Great night out: for a classic
Morning after effect: singing 'Food Glorious Food' at the breakfast table 
Recommend to friends: without a doubt
See again: definitely... lets twist again!
Best bit: Fagin introducing his secret stash of jewels

Oliver! the reworking of Cameron Mackintosh's production was everything I had hoped for and more. Superbly acted by a large cast with fantastic performances by Omid Djalili and Jodie Prenger this is a show you most certainly don't want to miss.

The opening sequence is a visual delight with the arrival of some 50 hungry little faces gazing at trays of steaming food dancing past as they burst into singing ‘Food Glorious Food’.

Omid Djalili has definitely filled the rather big shoes left by Rowan Atkinson, taking over the Fagin role on the 20th of July. The British-born Iranian actor and stand-up comic made the role his own as he managed to push cultural boundaries in an archetypal Jewish role.

Fans won't be disappointed as Omid adds a fresh take on the role and adds his unique dance style, famous to several TV panel shows, to the jigs. He really inhabits the character and is delishiously funny and playful while still maintaining the necessary menacing edge.

My favourite scene was when Fagin introduces his jewels from his secret stash adopting different accents and religious references for each – a scene that was a treasure in itself.

Jodie Prenger, winner of BBC's 'I'd Do Anything' had a great rapport with the children as well as the ability to really belt out her ballads. Jodie manages to convincingly portray Nancy’s essential struggle between her love for the masochistic Bill Sykes and her desire to follow her heart and do the right thing.

While Oliver was brilliantly played by the delightful (Gwion Wyn Jones), the show is as always stolen by the mischievous top-hatted Artful Dodger (Ross McCormack). He and his gang of rascals manage to get the audience eating right out of their hands whilst looking like they’re simply having a brilliant time.

Anthony Wards’ spectacularly designed set created the perfect mood and atmosphere with some great perspective play. The set transformed seamlessly to different parts of London from handsome piazzas and dark alleys to Fagin's underground den. It is fantastic to see a show that is actually based in London and manages to capture it’s essence so well.

Funny, vibrant and poignant with a superb score Oliver is just as it should be – a classic. Be sure to watch this spectacular show.

Both Omid and Jodie are scheduled to appear until 12 December 2009. Griff Rhys Jones is up next and will perform the role of Fagin from the 14th December until June 2010.

Audience
Oliver! is the perfect musical for all the family. Apart from the odd gunshot there is nothing that is going to concern younger audiences. A very safe bet for a great night out.

Theatre
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the perfect venue for it in the heart of Covent Garden. The front of the Dress Circle offers the very best view from which to take in the very large stage and all the action on it.