Oliver!

It’s not difficult to run out of superlatives when writing about WOW productions, and the shortage increases, show on show, as their performance standards get better and better. Maybe, as WOW’s reputation continues to grow in the locality, more talented youngsters are inclined to audition and get involved but, whatever the reason, there has to be a limit to how often I can report ‘best yet!’ However, this remark really does apply to ‘Oliver!’ – WOW’s 30th anniversary production. Given that this musical is a natural for youth groups, there are, nevertheless, some challenging adult roles to be filled, all of which in this production were despatched with great showmanship – from a remarkably composed and confident 8-year-old Oliver to a surprisingly mature 14-year-old Nancy. Fagin was delightfully convincing, Bumble suitably pompous, Bill Sykes appropriately scary and Sowerberry just rib-tickling. Principals and soloists apart, the groups of all ages in this cast of nigh-on 70 performers were extremely well schooled in their graphic presentations of the several familiar scenes, all of which were memorable features of this show. Heather Reed’s band of nine musicians, ever reliable, were in sparkling form to match the excellence on stage. Aided by some swift scene changing, it all moved along at a stimulating pace, and the audience loved every minute of it. Well done, WOW. Here’s to the next 30 years!.

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