Oliver!

Walney Junior Amateur Operatic Society`s 50th Anniversary Production was Oliver! This is one of those classic musicals that has become a staple of both amateur and professional companies the world over.

Based on the Charles Dickens novel, telling the story of Oliver Twist, the workhouse boy who had the audacity to ask for extra helpings. Having seen and been involved many a production over the years, would I be wanting more by the end of this one?

The main role of Workhouse Boy, Oliver was sympathetically played by Isaac Oakes. Isaac`s Oliver was gaunt, spirited, yet vulnerable with a naivety befitting the role. His “Where is love” was emotive and touching. He looked and sounded right, and clearly enjoyed playing this dream of a role-well done!           

Jack Robert`s interpretation of the Artful Dodger appealed to everyone –a streetwise, mischievous pickpocket whose beaming smile and flawless footwork had everyone tapping their feet. Dodger and Fagin worked really well together, and there was no doubt who Fagin`s favourite was.

Oliver Banks took on the unenviable task of playing Fagin. This is a difficult undertaking for any performer, as they will always be compared with the great Ron Moody. Oliver took it on with a confidence belying his years, giving a good nod to Ron, but adding his own personality to the role, especially during “Reviewing the Situation”. On occasion threatening to take the comic elements a little too far, but pulling back just at the right points, to remind us that after all, Fagin is a miserly man and in essence a thief, who`d dob them all in to save his own skin.

Grace Callaghan`s realistic portrayal of Nancy was assured, sensitive and feisty when necessary. All of these facets shown in her rendition of  “As long as he needs me” and “Oom-pah-pah”. Grace was more than capably supported by Caitlin McIntosh in the role of Bet, Nancy`s best friend- a very accomplished performance.

Toby Sainty played Bill Sikes (with an “i” )with conviction, with just the right amount of menace in his characterisation.  (Spoiler Alert) His killing of Nancy was well done, although the build up to it felt a little awkward between the two of them, as they were onstage a while with little going on. Whilst this was no fault of theirs, as the action is set to an underscore, it felt like Nancy and Oliver had arrived earlier than planned.

Mr Bumble and Widow Corney were very well played by Ben Sibbitt and Emily Smith, believable in their characterisations and earnest in their pursuit of each other initially, making the most of the comedy. Their “I shall scream” almost bringing the house down.

The Sowerberrys, Mathilda Kenny and Ted Cubiss entertained us all in their duet, “That`s Your Funeral”- the power struggle between them palpable and one that Mr Sowerberry would never win. The cowardly bully, Noah Claypole and his girlfriend, Charlotte were well played by Oliver Gray and Hannah Lauderdale, as were all other minor roles- Mr Brownlow, Mrs Bedwin, Dr Grimwig and Old Sally (Alfie Biggins, Lydia Hetherington, Christian Merrit and Rebecca Fearn).

All of the chorus numbers were full of energy, well sung, good diction and everybody sparkled, with the smaller roles and solo voices executing their lines with aplomb. There were very few static moments in the production, and the evening flew by.

Set was a composite set on two levels with two Arched doorways under the raised levels, with trucks/props brought on for any interior scenes- these changes were good and didn`t detract. Sound and lighting were good, although on the night I went, on two occasions, off-stage mic`s were on and the audience could hear off-stage discussions about who was in the audience etc- whilst this can be accidental anticipation of somebody coming on for the next scene, this was (on both occasions) somebody who wasn`t due on for another two scenes, at least.

Choreography by Sue Lloyd Roberts was really good, appropriately set at the right level for the production numbers and the people.  Chorus were focussed, well-rehearsed and lively in their production numbers.

Musical Director Ian Bird had obviously worked hard with this young cast, and had managed to get the best out of them, and the orchestra sounded great. Special mention too, to the violinist, Karen Wells in Reviewing the Situation- Exquisite. Nice to hear the National Anthem played as per the founder member`s request

Director Paul Jones has every right to be proud of what he and his production team have produced- their hard work up there for all to see.

Thank You Walney Junior Amateur Operatic Society, for your invitation and your hospitality. Congratulations on your first fifty years (making me feel old now). Here`s to another fifty!

 

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