OLIVER

This was a very lively production with excellent sets under the direction of Damian Bell. The orchestra also under the baton of Damian produced a great sound and were well controlled.

The whole show had a feel good factor about it and the company were fully involved and vocally strong. There were some very good character performances most notably Oliver (Isaac Smart) and Dodger (Lucy Roberts). They worked well together and both had very good vocals and diction. Mr Bumble (Donald McInnes) and Widow Corney (Catherine Webster) were a great duo and I did like their northern twist to the characters (artistic license permitting). Mr Sowerberry the Undertaker (Joe Hodgkinson) gave a great sinister performance and was ably assisted by Mrs Sowerberry (Natalie Canavon) and Charlotte (Charlie Hunt) although I didn’t quite understand the eye make- up ? It didn’t work for me. Nancy (Shelley Anne O’Horan) gave a very good performance and had strong vocals and was well assisted by Bet (Sophie Lomas) however I felt that hair and make-up for both was too modern and did not reflect their low status in life. Bill Sykes (Sam Mitchell) gave a good “rough” performance as is required by this character. Fagin (Mark Lyons) gave a good performance. He was very light of foot and had that mischievous look and worked very well with the gang. For me however, I would have liked a little more light and shade in the character.

All the principal characters played their parts well and added to the strength of the show. The workhouse boys and Fagin’s gang were in fine voice and were very well drilled. Choreographer Joe Hodgkinson must have worked very hard on the excellent routines. I particularly enjoyed the Rose Seller, Strawberry Seller, Milkmaid, Knife Grinder and Long Song Seller with their fine vocals.

All in all this was a very good production and I would like to thank Phoenix Theatre Company for an enjoyable evening.

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