Search - Lionel Bart, Ron Moody, Georgia Brown :: Oliver! (1960 Original London Cast)

The original and the best

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 12/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."