Customer Reviews

Oliver! (1960 Original London Cast)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the original London cast recording of Lionel Bart's undisputed masterpiece OLIVER! It is sung with joy and excitement by a stellar cast, obviously still reeling from the glowing reviews and laurels that had been lavished on them.

Georgia Brown remains for many the consummate Nancy; she headlined both the original London and Broadway casts, and was a dear childhood friend of Lionel Bart's. "It's a Fine Life" was written because of her dimension in the role of Nancy. She is at her best wrapping her velvet voice around the ultimate apologist ballad "As Long as He Needs Me".

Ron Moody also headlined both the London and Broadway casts, as the deliciously-evil yet timid-as-a-mouse Fagin. He offers a stunning "Reviewing the Situation" as well as a comical "Pick a Pocket or Two". Moody was the only original cast member to recreate his role in Carol Reed's Oscar-winning film version.

Paul Whitsun-Jones and Hope Jackman are priceless as the comical Mr Bumble and Widow Corney. They gives a sparkling "I Shall Scream!" and Whitsun-Jones shows his impressive voice with "Boy For Sale".

Keith Hamshere is an affecting Oliver, singing a heartfelt "Where Is Love?" and Martin Horsey is a suitably-jaunty Artful Dodger singing "Consider Yourself".

This is the recording that best sums up all the joy of OLIVER!, this is the cast that best performs the score and this is the recording that preserves the original vision and intention of Lionel Bart.

The original and still the BEST.

This is a terrific London cast CD. Actually saw this show in London in the early Sixties and am delighted to have found this CD for sale on Amazon.

Purchased this version as well as the 1994 London Palladium Cast recording and the Original Broadway Cast recording. Right now I'm really enjoying the 1994 version with Jonathan Pryce, but this one is a good reference point and, hey, it's the original! Enjoyed it.

This 1960 London Cast Recording of Lional Bart's classic Oliver! is a little on the weak side of things. The orchestrations are often to noisy and chaotic, and the singing/ shouting give you a headache after a while. Georgia Brown needs to soften her voice while protraying a lovable charcter such as Nancy. The only cast member that sticks out is Fagin portrayed by Ron Moody , Moodys portrayal of the character is perfect and he knows how to balance the serious / comedic sides of the role. Don't get me wrong Oliver! is a great musical at which is near to my heart but this recording needs a change for the better. I would prefer the 1994 Revival London Cast Recording of Oliver! rather than the original.