Oliver

I don’t think there are many people who have not had the privilege to watch Oliver on stage, if you haven’t you are missing a splendid musical and especially this one! Trinity Methodist has given the audience a masterclass on how to produce a show. The talent on the stage was exceptional and we went out saying ‘Wow’!

Directors David James and Deborah Marks with Musical Director Gerald Hines, are to be congratulated for producing such a professional show. They provided some lovely little touches which added to this production. From the very start when the ladies of the ensemble took to the stage and the children marched in through the auditorium, the audience were hooked and the magic began; their rendition of ‘Food Glorious Food’ got the whole audience singing. Enter Mr Bumble (Tony Brett) with Widow Corney (Pat Hollingworth), from the very beginning this couple worked the stage and their characterisation of each of their roles was spot on. Their comedy shone through, while their facial expressions spoke volumes. Both had great singing voices and timing, their song ‘I shall scream’ was hilarious. Tony’s rendition of ‘Boy for sale’ was also superb.
Another good pairing was Mr and Mrs Sowerberry, the funeral directors, not large roles but the scene provided energy and comedy, the song ‘That’s your funeral’ was very well delivered. Lauren Russel playing Charlotte and Ryan Wlyts – Noah Claypole, added to the scene, both projecting well. I also loved Mrs Sowerberry’s wig. Patsy Page is to be commended for all of the wigs, as this must have been a huge undertaking with such a large cast.
Oliver. (Gene Gardner) was absolutely wonderful. His crystal clear voice and angelic looks made this show a complete hit. This young man is surely a star of the future and his rendition of ‘Where is love’ was beautiful.
The Artful Dodger (Aleks Gulliver) gave a strong, energetic, confident performance and complimented Oliver very well. His rendition of the classic ‘Consider Yourself’ was a gem and he came over as a very likeable rogue.
David Slater as Fagin was superb. With energy and verve David never fails to deliver a role and his work on this character was brilliant. His accent was consistent and his singing always spot on. As an ex -professional West End actor he is able to bring his experience to the amateur stage and it was really a great performance, his costume, wig and beard were also spot on. Well done to the wardrobe department for all the costumes in the show.

Bill Sykes (Kris Tyler) was possibly the best I have ever seen. He sent shivers down my spine and was totally believable as the aggressive psychopathic villain. His rendition of ‘My name’ was truly scary and menacing.
The smaller roles but just as important, were Bet (Hannah Griffiths) looking and sounding beautiful,Mrs Bedwin (Helen Wilson) who had a stunning voice, Mr Brownlow (David Ehren) as the grandfather, and Susan Bartle as Old Sally both characters played well. The ensemble cast and of course the children, all made this show the hit it definitely was. Well done to everyone.
I leave the best till last. The incredible Charlotte Reed as Nancy in the wonderful red dress made especially for her by Tony Brett. This young lady totally blew us away. She is a star in the making and would grace any West End Stage. In fact I do wish Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber could have seen her as she would be chosen straight away. Her energy, incredible voice and beauty shone out. Her iconic
song ‘As long as he needs me’ was totally beautiful and had me in tears. If there is any justice in the world I hope that this young lady is spotted by a talent scout and she does indeed end up on the West End stage. I’m just sad that there is no best musical actress award with NODA as she would definitely receive this.
The musical director Gerald Hines and his eleven piece orchestra were amazing and not once did they overpower the singers, which can sometimes happen. The professional lighting and sound was good, while the set stunning. Thank you to Front of House who looked after us.
This was an incredible evening out; we congratulate each and every one of you on a superb show.

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