Oliver! leaves you wanting more at Chichester Festival Theatre

It was clear from the ongoing applause, standing ovations and yells of approval that the Chichester Festival Theatre audience were, like a small but brave orphan boy, wanting more, as the rip-roaring, music-filled Oliver! burst on to the stage.

The plot is freely adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, and is the tale of an 11-year-old boy who bravely asks the workhouse cooks for more food. As a result he is sold to an undertaker but escapes, and during his adventures - backed by some show-stopping songs - he meets an array of colourful characters before finding love and happiness.

As always the songs, such as Consider Yourself and It’s A Fine Life, rock the stage - but this show is backed by a superb cast. Even small cameo parts, such as Stephen Matthews’ creepy undertaker Mr Sowerberry, or Oscar Conlon-Morrey as the henpecked Mr Bumble, are captivating.

The star is highly talented Simon Lipkin as Fagin, turning a sinister character into a one-man song and dance act and exchanging comic banter with the audience. He lights up the stage.

Aaron Sidwell was a very believable sinister Bill Sikes and Shanay Holmes a moving and spirited Nancy, with a fine singing voice. Billy Jenkins was excellent as the stylish and sly Artful Dodger, and young Cian Eagle-Service was a perfect Oliver.

Fagin’s Gang provided energy and spirited dancing, and the whole company of singers and dancers played a big part in making Oliver!, which runs until August 31, an outstanding show.

Sheila Checkley