Oliver!

From the moment the tabs opened it was obvious this production was going to be special. The tableau of chorus, combined with the whispers of “Oliver, Oliver” really captured the audience’s attention. From then on it never faltered. The audience were treated to a workhouse of energetic and enthusiastic young performers, of which there were two choruses, many of whom had never been on a stage before. But equally enjoyable was seeing and hearing such a large focussed adult chorus, always in character, in tune and attention never wavering and enhanced by understated and effective choreography. The principals were the real icing on the cake (or should I say gruel!!) the standard of characterisation and emotion being evident throughout. Brian Boardman was the quintessential Fagan complete with impressive make up. Sara Whitton gave a strong emotional performance as Nancy and Jimmy Gray certainly did justice to the part of baddie Bill Sykes. Nancy’s friend Bet was played very convincingly by Chloe Gordon. And we all enjoyed the scenes between Mr Bumble (David Mathieson) and Widow Corney (Heidi Cathro). Undertakers, Mrs and Mrs Sowerby (Finlay McDonald and Marion Allan) were a joy of nastiness and in contrast David Mitchell as Mr Brownlow and Colette Dear as Mrs Bedwin, the epitome of kindness. Even the smaller parts of Charlotte Sowerby (Kirsty McDonald), Noah Claypole (Blair Ruxton), Dr Grimwig (Ryan Wink) and Old Sally (Alison McDonald) were all notable. Last but not least, we saw Brandon Boyd who was Friday’s Oliver and gave an accomplished, emotional performance, while Catie Mathieson as Friday’s Artful Dodger was full of energy and character. Massive congratulations to the entire cast, crew and production team – the audience were certainly left wanting “more”.

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