One of Britain's most treasured musicals, Oliver! is set to hit the stage once again. Having last been seen in London's West End over ten years ago, Sir Cameron Mackintosh is presenting a new stage adaptation of Charles Dickens? popular novel. The much awaited show is set to open in December 2008 in London's Theatre Royal Druary Lane.



Bringing to life the renowned characters of Oliver, the Artful Dodger, Nancy and Fagic, as well as a host of others, the musical first appeared on London's West End in the June of 1960. It became an immediate success and helped to launch the careers of several child actors, including Phil Collins, who later came to form part of the popular band Genesis, and Tony Robinson of the hit TV series Blackadder.

Having attracted such widespread attention in the UK, Oliver! then went on to tour America in 1962, eventually opening on Broadway the following year. And, in 1968, Carol Reed directed the musical film version, which won an Academy award for Best Picture.

The story traditionally begins in a Victorian workhouse, where the audience sees a group of boys clamouring to get their daily rations of food. However, much to the outrage of the official, Mr Brumble, Oliver famously asks 'Please Sir, can I have some more?'

This sentence sets in motion a chain of events in Oliver's life, which sees him cross paths with such colourful characters as the Artful Dodger, a friendly pick pocket, the evil and murderous Bill Sykes, as well as the gentle Mr Brownlow. Although Oliver endures some arduous and dangerous times along the way, eventually all's well that ends well, and he finds himself safe at last!

This year, the musical is set to be even more explosive than ever. Indeed, the well-known Rowan Atkinson, who is best known for his role as Mr Bean, has been cast as Fagin, whilst the main characters, Oliver and Nancy, were chosen after a series of young actors battled it out in the UK talent show, I'd Do Anything.

So, if you want to be one of the first to see this magical musical, you'd better act fast. Indeed, having been away from the stage for so long, there will be many clamouring for tickets. However, with a host offers available, like , it can be easy to make a weekend of it in England's capital! And, before you know it, you'll be singing along to all the old favourites like Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two!