Jodie Prenger makes West End debut as Nancy

Jodie Prenger and Rowan Atkinson went down a storm at the opening night of the West End musical Oliver! on Wednesday.

Theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber was among members of the crowd who gave the show a standing ovation which lasted for several minutes.

Lord Lloyd Webber oversaw the BBC1 show I'd Do Anything, which was won by Jodie, who played Nancy.

The role of Oliver is being shared by the other winners of the talent contest, Laurence Jeffcoate, Gwion Wyn Jones and Harry Stott.

Rowan, who plays Fagin, was a big hit with the audience, often pulling faces with visual humour reminiscent of his TV character Mr Bean.

As the show came to a close, a large picture of the late Oscar-winning Oliver! creator Lionel Bart came down on the stage from the ceiling.

Rowan pushed the young child actors to the front of the stage to receive applause.

Ross McCormack, 13, from Woodford Green, Essex played the Artful Dodger, while Harry, also 13, from Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, played the title role.

TV presenter Graham Norton, Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood and EastEnders' actress Barbara Windsor were among the famous faces in the audience.

Barbara, who was a friend of Bart, said: "I've got goose pimples, I'm a bit teary. This is the most amazing production, I love it. I adore Rowan Atkinson. I feel he's shown a vulnerability but great warmth."

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