Oliver!

G&SMCS production of Oliver! A TRIUMPH FOR ALL!!!!! It was a real treat to see so many talented ‘boys’ as Workhouse Boys and later as Fagin’s Gang! Shah Bobbett played Oliver and delivered on all fronts! His was not the saccharine sweet Oliver often seen but was a subtle mix of innocence, vulnerability and determination. Throughout the show he rides an emotional rollercoaster and Shah captured all those emotions in his performance, most notably when singing Where is Love’ you could feel the loneliness and desperation in his voice. In contrast playing ‘Dodger’ was Ollie Garstang blasting on to the stage and bursting into ’Consider Yourself’ making his mark! Cheeky and confident, make no mistake this young man was definitely ‘top dog’ in Fagin’s Gang. Fagin is not a nice character nor is it an easy one to get right! So to see Matthew Maisy’s portrayal was great. He played him with an uneasy suspicious seedy air befitting his station, demonstrated best in the devious playing out ‘Pick a Pocket’ and later showing his desperation ‘Reviewing the Situation’. Jess Stradling’s portrayal of Nancy the tart with a heart! Was almost a reflection of Fagin’s, the same qualities and gut wrenching as she sang ‘As Long as He Needs Me’ not a dry eye in the house. Bill Sykes (Edgar Phillips) and Bullseye were a formidable pair! Cold and cutting you could hear a pin drop! Edgar’s Bill really made you squirm. Bumble (Dave Bosner) and Corney (Sara Holt) was a match made in heaven! Both have a natural comic timing, so no surprise that ‘I Shall Scream’ was one of the highlights of production.

Choreography had been well constructed and tailored to accommodate all. Highlights ranged from the dour opening ‘Food Glorious Food’ to the joy of the street life ‘Who Will Buy’. All choreography had been kept within both principals and companies capabilities and complemented their performance. All company worked hard to keep the production moving, adopting different guises throughout, and playing other characters throughout the show. Direction was creative and innovative making good use of company and the limitations of the stage. Musical Direction was strong and the musicians created a beautiful well balanced sound. Both principals and company alike had been well instructed and were confident in their performance under the M.D’s baton. Costumes looked authentic and the correct period. Make-up was used to great effect and was subtly used in the workhouse creating a grimy look for the workhouse. Fagin’s look well reflected his seedy and miserly demeanour. Wigs used were the correct style and period and added to the making of the individual characters, those not wearing wigs had styled their own hair to the same period look. The well drilled stage crew kept the pace of production moving with swift and clean changes, which in turn kept the pace of production moving. Props and furniture required for each scene had been well selected enhancing each scene adding to the light and shade of overall picture. This production delivered on all levels and was great family entertainment. Congratulations to all who made ‘Oliver!’ a successful and enjoyable production.

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