It's an unwritten rule among theatre critics that they never write about preview performances, but I've been reviewing the situation and I wanted to say this at the very least.

I was lucky enough to get taken to a preview of the new production of Oliver! at London's Theatre Royal in Drury Lane.

Rowan Atkinson plays Fagin, a role he has been contemplating for 15 years, and Jodie Prenger, who won the I'd Do Anything TV show, is Nancy.

My lads, who were lucky enough to be sitting in a box at the historic theatre, thanks to a Christmas present from the in-laws, sat entranced throughout, and the memorable songs - I'd Do Anything, Consider Yourself, Who Will Buy - came thick and fast.

Atkinson, who lives in Waterperry near Wheatley, looked like he was really enjoying himself, and even made a discreet Mr Bean reference when he played around with a teddy bear before chucking it in a fire.

Following our trip to theatreland, we bought a copy of Dickens' original text from Mostly Books in Abingdon, to see how much of the original story was retained in Lionel Bart's 1960 musical.

What amazes me is that Bart came up with all those great songs even though he had no musical training.

I'm a particular fan of the show, after starring as Charlie Bates, one of the Artful Dodger's assistants, in a production at Llandrindod Wells High School circa 1980.

Seeing the show in London brought back memories of the smell of grease paint, and a rather raucous after-show party after our last performance.

I feel quite lucky to have seen one of Atkinson's early performances because the West End show is now more or less sold out for six months, with an incredible £15m worth of tickets sold.

Continuing the musical theme, I'm playing a bit of Motown to celebrate the 50th anniversary of label's first release back in 1959.

Berry Gordy Jnr's hit factory produced so many memorable songs, and it's very difficult to choose a favourite.

Please Mr Postman, Heatwave, You Really Got A Hold On Me, Wherever I Lay My Hat - the list could go on, but for 10 years the team of song writers was arguably the best in the world.

Getting back to books, during a trip to the Cowley Road Oxfam shop, I spotted a first edition of Philip Pullman's The Subtle Knife for £100.

But my bargain of the week has to be a 1938 first edition of an HV Morton journey through the Holy Lands, costing a mere 30p from the St Andrew's Christian bookshop in St Clement's.