Oliver

This was a really good production and an excellent performance given by a large cast of youngsters from the society’s junior ranks, many of whom I have seen before and witnessed their development over a few productions.  They are so well supported by members of the main society as well as was evidenced here by the involvement of a number of currently active society performers.

I’ve always felt that the early sections of this show are difficult but we got off the a great start with Connor Wilson very strong as Mr Bumble and a super performance from Mabel Moon as Widow Corney.

Archie Armstrong was a lovely Oliver, he looked right and sang very nicely, especially in Where Is Love.  He built a good relationship with Owen Robinson who was a lively Dodger.  I enjoyed the performances of Bradley Wilshire and Sienna Jeffs as Mr and Mrs Sowerberry and they were super in That’s Your Funeral.

Macsen Harper, one of the more senior members of the cast in his last show for the section, really shone in his role of Fagin displaying just the right level of nastiness.  I did feel that Reviewing the Situation was taken a little fast (that’s not like me!) and it might have allowed a little more “thinking” time if it had been a fraction slower.

Oliver needs a good Nancy and we got one here with a fine portrayal by Alice Jordan.  She acted and sang As Long as He Needs Me very well and kept things going at a good lick in her other numbers.  Her scenes with Bill Sikes, very well played by Alex Joy, were also powerful.

Such is the strength of this group of performers that we had great back up for the more minor roles including Joseph Britton (Noah), Milli Chaffe (Charlotte), Francesca Jeffs (Bet), Megan Tudor (Mrs Bedwin) and Dalvia Dhillon (Mr Brownlow).  The chorus were very enthusiastic and projected their numbers well, Who Will Buy? being especially accurate, and I thought the choreography was really enjoyable.

The team can be really proud of this production.

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