Oliver!

I loved the set on this production which remained static throughout but subtley changed with a few additional props and openings for each scene of which there are many. This allowed the action to move at a fabulous pace and never have I experienced being out of Oliver just after 9.30pm before!

The sound was great and the balance of Orchestra and cast was perfect. Claire had worked hard with the cast especially the young players of which there were many.  The lighting complemented the piece and the props and costumes looked great and worked well.

The choreography was super and full company numbers were exhausting such was the energy and enthusiasm shown on the stage. The numbers were drilled to perfection and Tracy had done an amazing job with such a large group of young people.

Oliver was beautifully played by Alfie Hall, age 10 who looked and sounded the part. His acting was great and his diction very clear. His vocals on “Where is Love” and “Who will Buy” were stunning.

Connor Wyse certainly looked the part as the Artful Dodger and worked well alongside Oliver and Fagin. His delivery was good and I enjoyed Consider Yourself and It’s A Fine Life.

Gary Jones-McCaw was super as Fagin. He had the right mix of comedy and pathos to command the stage. His songs both vocally and visually were brilliant and he was mesmerising to watch.

Nancy was played by Lucy Roberts but some of her vocals were pitchy on the night I was in. She gave a warm performance especially with the children but I never bought that she was in love with Bill.

Ben Vaughan was brilliantly scary as Bill Sykes with good diction and great vocals and Kate Shaw as Bet was lovely to watch with great dance moves and super vocals.

Bullseye the dog was beautifully played by Peppa who behaved impeccable throughout.

Mr Bumble played by Mathew Rigby was very funny with strong vocals. Lisa Kay as Widow Corney was more than a match for him with great vocals and great comedy timing. They made a fantastic comedy couple.

Mr and Mrs Sowerbury played by Sam Bolton and Selina Adams were both characterised well and the slapstick comedy worked well. Lenka Shaw was a fabulous Charlotte and played well opposite Sam Fisher as Noah Claypole who did a super job being the annoying, bullying character.

Harry Wilbourn was a lovely mischievous Charley Bates with Peter Bowler playing a very funny Dr Grimwig. Phil Gibbons was a nice kind Mr Brownlow and Denise Carter as Mrs Bedwin was warm and had lovely vocals on Where Is Love Reprise.

The chorus worked hard on establishing characters and the children‘s ensemble were fabulous and so well drilled in their choreography. Everyone involved both onstage and backstage should be commended for a great evenings entertainment including the production team who put together another great show

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