Every so often, a piece of popular art crafted for the mass market
hits the big time- which is why one song from the musicals is still a
masterpiece study of human psychology. Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver’ turned one of Charles Dickens’ darkest stories into a
musical that families would go to watch. It’s got poverty and shame, child abduction
and exploitation, extreme violence and intimidation – perfect for a night out with the kids. Bart had to make changes to the story, of course. Fagin’s devilish nature was
turned into Ron Moody’s adorable scoundrel (In the original story, he was
hanged.) Bill Sykes became even darker (In the original, he saves victims from
a house fire whilst on the run.) But then, rising above them all, comes Nancy.
