Oliver!

Presenting this Lionel Bart classic, in the performance I attended, Connor McLuggage (8) sang and acted well in the title role as the innocent orphan boy Oliver born in the workhouse and Ben Robertson (13) provided a cheeky Artful Dodger.  I understand strong performances were matched by Logie Spencer (10) and Oliver Cronin (9) as Oliver and Dodger in alternate performances.  As the heartless caretakers of the Workhouse, James Cassidy (Mr Bumble) and Anne Marie Simpson (Widow Corney) provided an excellent saucy partnership and Alan Orr with Ann Rodger were well paired as Mr and Mrs Sowerby, the insensitive undertakers who entertained us well in the undertaker’s parlour with their assistant (Noah Claypole) David O’Hara and (Charlotte) Hayley Stevenson.  Andrew Rodger excelled as the miserly Fagin, revelling in the comedy moments whilst also bringing out the pathos in the character ‘Reviewing the Situation’.  Laura Cowan delivered a great performance as Nancy and was ably supported by Bernadette O’Donnell as Bet. Robert Kirkham provided a suitably sinister Bill Sykes, Nancy’s abusive lover.  All remaining principals and the chorus added to the enjoyment of the show in particular Violet Thompson in her performance as ‘Old Sal’ but as usual, the enthusiasm from the children won the hearts of the audience.

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