Oliver!

‘Oliver!’ was Crash Bang Wallop Youth Theatre’s 10th Anniversary production, a repeat of their first ever, and the packed audience seemed eager to see this well-loved and timeless musical.

From the opening bars, played by a competent orchestra under the control of Jeremy Harbottle, the show got off to a great start.  The cast of workhouse boys gave a very enthusiastic rendition of’Food Glorious Food’.  Morgan Burgess and Hannah Mitchell portrayed Mr Bumble and Widow Corney with great warmth.  Nic Clayson, Rachael Egan, Theo Greening and Ella Murton provide good humour as the undertakers Mr and Mrs Sowerby, Noah Claypole  and Charllotte, respectively.  Harry Gates sang with real warmth and passion as the down-trodden Oliver, and worked well with Ben Kelly as the very confident Dodger.

The iconic role of Fagin was in the very capable hands of Joseph Arnott, portraying a character full of fun but yet a little sinister.  Jason Curia played an evil and sinister Bill Sykes, and Sophie Diamond gave a convincing performance as Bill Sykes’ girlfriend Nancy.  The supporting principals all handled their roles competently.

There is not a lot of space at the Forum and this gave their opening night a few technical problems with scenery, but on the whole this was a good evening’s entertainment.  I hope we are in for another 10 years of good productions. Well done.

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