Oliver!

With around 70 children and 50 adults in the cast, this was a production of the well loved musical ‘Oliver!’ on a scale never before seen by an amateur company in Edinburgh.

The opening ‘Food Glorious Food’ with its well regimented workhouse children set the bar high and the response from the audience established that these youngsters had immediately got the audience in the palm of their hands. Alex Morrison was perfectly cast as Oliver portraying his innocence and vulnerability in both his expressive dialogue throughout  and in his heart wrenching solo ‘Where is Love’ as he is left to sleep beside the coffins in the parlour of the sinister undertakers Mr and Mrs Sowerberry (Alan Hunter and Averyl Nash) who both gave polished performances.

Michael Denvir gave a feisty performance as the Artful Dodger, the leader of Fagin’s gang, with his cheeky expression and quick wit. The gang were in fine form looking and behaving like a real bunch of scallywags who stole the show with their well drilled movement and spontaneous reactions. The part of Fagin was superbly played by Charlie Munro who lived the part. The connection between him and the gang was tangible with his firm but kindly attitude and he completely engaged with the audience. His powerful singing voice and agility on stage were quite brilliant with his ‘Reviewing the Situation’ a show stopper.

Lori Flannigan gave an accomplished performance as Nancy the ’tart with a heart’ demonstrating a harshness in action but also a warmth and tenderness with Oliver and in her number ‘As Long As He Needs Me.’ The menacing Bill Sykes was equally well played by Lech Boron who intimidated those around him with his rough actions and threatening expression.

Despite being quite a dark piece highlighting the struggles of the poor and the brutality of Bill Sykes, there was plenty of frivolity and light heartedness in this production. Gavin Scott (Mr.Bumble) and Judith Walker (Widow Corney) extracted the comedy from their roles and convinced us that she was more interested in him than he was in her despite the toothy smile!

The big production numbers were all extremely well choreographed and executed confidently by this large cast who were obviously enjoying every minute. Adding extra chorus into some numbers where they are not usually present had the advantage of adding volume but at times the stage did look very crowded marring some of the detail in the choreography.

All of the supporting principal roles were well characterised and complemented the cast.

This was a bright, colourful production which sparkled from start to finish, had a score which was well sung and very well supported by a first class orchestra. The set, although minimal in places, and interesting lighting all enhanced this most enjoyable production.

This was a memorable production which played to well nigh capacity audiences the entire week. It also gave the opportunity for over 100 children to experience the thrill of working with a well established adult company in the wonderful Kings Theatre. I am certain that most of these youngsters will now have  the ‘am.dram.bug’ and will indeed ‘want some more’ thus ensuring that musical theatre has a future in Edinburgh with so many up and coming stars.

It can’t have been easy working with so many children and a double cast and I congratulate the SLO cast, production team, stage crew and all who made this such a successful show worthy of the audience’s appreciation.
 

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