Oliver!

Youngest  sister as Christmas presents, bought tickets for mrs maytrees, maytrees ma, our grand daughter "micro dot" and herself, to see Oliver! at the theatre in London on 27th December 2025.

Unfortunately, mrs maytrees was unable to attend on the day so I  traveled in her stead, We met for a Pizza Express kindly provided by maytrees ma, before attending the nearby Gielgud Theatre for the musical. 

Having seen reports of a decline in the number of  people visiting London over the bank holiday week end, it was surprising to find the streets so crowded as well as and especially, the Piccadilly Line part of the tube journey  home. 

I am not usually a fan of musicals but very much enjoyed this one. The theatre was full despite the ticket pricing. The four of us were in a front row box of which was slightly less pricey than the main stalls seats as  view from those seats was slightly restricted. Nonetheless, we were near the orchestra  and were able to peer down to see members of the orchestra play, as well as the nearby conductor with great enthusiasm, control their music.

The large number of actors as well as the orchestra justified the seat prices. There were many children in the cast  as well as in the auditorium. As I gather that  there are legal limits on the length of time for children who may act, I noticed a small advertisment for budding child actors to apply for auditions.

The show was excellent and many of the songs I recognised. The original story by Charles Dickens is of course well known. 

Most importantly the show, Oliver! was enjoyed by micro dot despite its length.

An excellent afternoon especially as upon returning home we found that  mrs maytrees had begun to make a decent recovery from  her Christmas weariness..