Oliver!

This is a much-loved show, with its popular songs and great characters that were well portrayed in this production. The overture set the scene of the workhouse, with the uniformed helpers organising breakfast for the paupers. The staging was very good, with a curtained area as Fagin’s retreat, and an archway under a ‘bridge’ with a long flight of steps down onto the stage. It was very well used to suggest the London Bridge scene, but also gave the impression of Fagin’s lair being underground – a nice touch. The setting and removal the portable scenery was very well done.  Good use was also made of the stage projections each side for the more intimate scenes.

The Direction of the show by Debi Weaver was very well organised and thoughtful, with many details added to make the action seem realistic, such as Jessie playing ‘Bullseye’, Bill Sikes’ dog, the action in the coffin scene and the use of the ‘bridge’ and the stage right steps. There was a lovely amount of movement on the whole, enhancing the action of the story. The singing was good throughout the show, although occasionally the mics were not working well. The coffin scene was very effective.

The lighting was very atmospheric, despite the shadowed area down stage left. The sound was good and well balanced. The costumes and hairstyles were appropriate on the whole. The paupers’ costumes were rather too bright, neat and clean, making it hard to believe that these children were not well cared for. However, I loved the internal pockets on Fagin’s coat and his gang’s costumes. 

The music for the show was very well done under the direction of Joseph Church. The violin solo for Fagin’s song was beautifully played by Tom Budden, and the group gave a lively backing to all the songs. 

The choreography for the big numbers must have been a challenge. I liked the way that everyone got a turn at the front of the stage during the dances. The movements were appropriate on the whole, although one number combined a lot of singing and energetic dance – how did you manage? The energy levels were very high, adding vibrance to the show.

This was a very entertaining production, full of energy and vitality.

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