Oliver!

This well known English musical, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, is based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and tells the story of a plucky street urchin, Oliver, in his plight around Victorian London. In the opening scene we met the orphans who gave voice to ‘Food Glorious Food’ with great gusto and as Fagin’s Gang they were a lively bunch of rogues who sang and acted their way through their many appearances with great enthusiasm and confidence. Nine year old Jade Evans was very endearing as Oliver portraying both the innocence but determined sides of the character wonderfully and his sweet singing of ‘Where is Love?’ was delightful. 

Thomas Bailey was self assured, cheeky and convincing as the Artful Dodger. He

has natural stage presence and strong performance skills which were very much in evidence as he swaggered about the stage. Simon Owen was excellent as Fagin 

delivering a most effective representation of this somewhat ‘fatherly’ villain. He has a superb singing voice and his rendition of ‘Reviewing The Situation’ was terrific. A strong and confident performance was delivered by Korina Steed as Nancy, her singing of ‘Oom-Pah-Pah’ and ‘As Long as He Needs Me’ was splendid. Mr. Bumble was impressively played by Brett Waller as was Widow Corney by Lindsay Ellis. They were a great double act - their duet ‘I Shall Scream’ was a real hoot. John Ellis was forceful, intimidating and menacing as the surly violent Bill Sykes and Mr. and Mrs Sowerberry were well played by Andrew Bailey and Al Owen. Good support came from those in minor roles and from the chorus. The stage in the hall is small so is rather restrictive for large chorus numbers but I must say they were all very well 

executed. The sets were well designed, loved the bridge scene, costumes were fine as was the sound and lighting. The whole show was complimented by a well balanced eight piece band that in the small space didn’t over power the singing at all. 

Congratulations to everyone involved but especially to Alison Bailey because she not only was the Director and Musical Director but also acted as her own rehearsal pianist - well done indeed! It is the first time I have been invited to this company as they have only recently joined NODA but after this entertaining production I do sincerely hope to ‘Be Back Soon!’.

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