THE curtain opens on a gloomy Dickensian workhouse, the children a waiting to be fed and we are doled out a spectacular 'Food, glorious food'.

Dickens' name is used to evoke all kinds of Victorian ills and the workhouse is perhaps the darkest he wrote of. But the mood is lifted by this joyous opening number.

Like six or seven songs from Lionel Bart's masterful adaptation, so well do we know them, it’s like they’ve entwined in our DNA.

It's two hundred years since Dickens was born and this Cameron Mackintosh production doesn't play fast and loose with perhaps his most-loved creation. They give us the Oliver we love. And how.

His escape from the dark of life as an undertaker's assistant heralds a release of colour as vibrant as the stolen handkerchiefs strewn across Fagin's den.

Max Griesbach’s delightful, emerald-coated Artful Dodger welcomes Oliver into his family of thievery with a 'Consider yourself' brimming over with foot-stomping joy.

Neil Morrissey is the complete Fagin. Tattered but louche, he captured Fagin's warmth and humanity well, especially when the second half leads Oliver on a darker path once more.

Samantha Barks’ hearty and fine-voiced Nancy adds to the sweet and happy glow as Oliver finds an oasis of happiness and safety.

As the second half takes a sinister turn, they both try to protect Oliver from the malevolent Bill Sykes, his appearance adding to the high Victorian melodrama.

Oliver's joy at finding a home, so wonderfully voiced by Harry Polden in the song ‘Who Will Buy?’ is played out against a stunningly evocative London streetscape. The 19th century city is captured in all its misty, cobbled glory by masterful scene-makers.

There were many fine numbers on offer here tonight, but the real belters were from the youngsters.

Consider yourself well in for a festive treat.