Oliver

~~Lionel Bart’s “Oliver”, based on the classic Dickensian tale of Oliver Twist, is now over 50 years old but remains a firm favourite with audiences. From the first entrance and “Food Glorious Food” the audience knew they were going to be in for an enthusiastic and committed performance from the entire company.
Good use was made of the staging especially using the lighting plot to focus on areas of action and create mood. The orchestra, well controlled by Musical Director Valerie Tucker, were very good and never overpowered the cast even in the softer numbers; this was also a credit to the excellent sound production. All of the cast embraced their characters and made the most of every opportunity given to them to shine, and a special mention must be made of Bullseye (Gorgeous George) who added to the interest of the piece and behaved impeccably.
The show got off to a solid start in the experienced hands of Sarah Clark as “Widow Corney” and Alex Howat as “Mr Bumble”, their scenes were very well performed and sung.  The cold but hilarious characters in the form of the “Sowerberrys” were given plenty of life by Dan Coghlan (Mr Sowerberry), Zara Newbury-Skinner (Mrs Sowerberry ), Charshy Nash (Charlotte, who also played Sally) and Ewan Wharton (Noah Claypole). The Brownlow house hold were well represented by Alan Backhouse (Mr. Brownlow), Karen Redwood (Mrs. Bedwin) and Roger Trencher as Dr Grimwig and gave strong supporting performances.
Tristan Redwood, as “Oliver”, and Benjamin Dawson, as “Dodger” (on the night I attended), worked well together, and provided the complete contrast required of the two characters. It was good to see two young boys playing so well off each other and both won the hearts of the audience. 
Clare Blackburn, as “Nancy”, gave us a fiery yet subservient Nancy who showed her inner strength, especially in her rendition of “As Long As He Needs Me”, and her scenes with Paul Denney, as the story’s dark thread “Bill Sykes”, were particularly good. With the quality she portrayed I find it rather difficult to believe that this was Clare’s first principal role in a musical. She was well supported by Natalie Cleave as Bet. The coveted role of “Fagin” was in the safe hands of Nick Scovell who gave this dishonest, sharp-edged and yet somehow likeable character believability.  His rendition of “Reviewing the Situation” was excellent, and I loved how the number was accompanied by the violinist.
The principals were well supported by the chorus who all acted and sang with lots of enthusiasm especially in the number “Who Will Buy?” led by fine soloists but I am sure the entire company would agree that the undoubted stars of the show though were the children who obviously enjoyed every moment they were on the stage, and performed every number with energy.
Technically this production was very strong, making full use of the whole stage and then using parts of it when scenes were quite small. The lighting and sound were good, all helping to make this an excellent production.  The production team led by Director, Ben Lister, and Choreographer, Matthew Swann, can take great satisfaction from a well polished and enjoyable show. Well done also to the cast and crew who made the scene changes very effective and certainly did not interrupt the general flow.
Congratulations to everyone at Fareham Musical Society on an excellent performance.
 

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