Oliver!, Theatre Royal, Brighton, until April 19

12:57pm Wednesday 16th April 2008

When Lionel Bart's Oliver! arrived in the West End in 1960, it represented a breakthrough for British musicals in an American dominated arena.

Brighton Theatre Group's lively production demonstrates the durability of the show and the popular appeal of a songbook crammed with catchy numbers and soaring ballads.

In telling the story of the orphan boy, touchingly played by Brandon Harrop-Lee, and his encounters with the underbelly of Victorian London, it also offers some meaty roles for the actors to get their teeth into.

The Artful Dodger, Oliver's mentor, is brought colourfully to life by Frankie Cocozza.

The plot requires two villains, one humorous, one evil, and this production provides splendid performances from both.

Hilary Reeves invests zany comic talent in his portrayal of Fagin, while managing to add an occasional edge of pathos.

In contrast, Nathan Charman's full-blooded performance as Bill Sykes chilled with sinister menace. Even his dog, Bullseye, cowers before him.

If the BBC had seen Emma Dearden's Nancy, there would be no need for a reality contest to find someone to play her in the West End production.

She acts and sings with passion. As Long As He Needs Me is delivered beautifully, with a movingly slow build-up to the powerful finale.

But why did the director have to ruin this number and destroy the focus with furniture moves while she was singing?

• 7.45pm, £11-£22, 0870 0606650

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