Oliver

Oliver Twist (Laughlan Saunders & Gulliver Turner), Mr. Bumble (David Paterson), Widow Corney (Caroline Wilkinson), Noah Claypole (Kalvin Moyes), Mr. Sowerberry (Dan Hirtenstein), Mrs. Sowerberry (Shelagh Duncan), Charlotte (Katie Melvin), Artful Dodger (Antony Amos & Sam Johnston), Fagin (Billy Rooney), Nancy (Ashley Wolf), Bet (Christy Anderson), Bill Sykes (Iain Scott), Old Sally (Mirjam Van Beek), Mr. Brownlow (Michael Scouler), Mrs. Bedwin (Pat Adam), Dr Grimwig (Steve Law)

 

Drawing this year’s audience with a thoroughly popular musical, featuring local youths, was a sterling decision. Playing to large houses was a huge boost for the cast and massive thrill for the enthusiastic  youngsters. The opening to the grim, smoky workhouse scene didn’t deter the orphans from raising the roof with a heartfelt ‘Food Glorious Food’. 

Mr Bumble was brought to life in a commanding performance, enough to scare any starving child. With powerful stature and  superb vocals for ‘Oliver’ and ‘Boy For Sale’, the role was perfectly filled. 

The Widow Corney was every equally matched to Bumble and larger than life when putting him in his place. A wonderfully comedic paring, both earning justified applause for ‘I Shall Scream’, as their final embrace found them collapsed in a heap on the floor. 

Another perfect paring, in a truly entertaining scene, was the undertakers Mr and Mrs Sowerberry. He was very tall, slim and suitably grim in his characterisation, she, only reaching his shoulder height, portrayed a suitably nippy, bossy wife, and brilliantly together,  their rendition of ‘That’s Your Funeral’ was one of the show highlights….dark though the subject! 

The scene also showcased the iconic ‘Where is Love’ by Oliver, which I was fortunate enough to see both boys on different nights.  Although very different in size and age, both brought their own beautiful characterisation to the role and should be highly commended. 

The nasty and antagonistic Claypole was in perfect hands too, bullying Oliver and dramatically whipping up the whole scene to fever pitch with a wonderfully supportive Charlotte, the manic Sowerberrys, the bumbling Bumble and of course the coffin, culminating in Oliver’s eventual escape.   

The Artful Dodger, on both occasions, oozed confidence and character. Both boys were very equally sized to suit their respective Oliver. The ‘Consider Yourself’ scene  showed that they both worked well together, and with the addition of a lively chorus and dancers, it was really uplifting. 

The introduction to Fagin’s lair, and the perfectly cast character himself, was superb. He entranced the youngsters with a fun musical mentoring session on ‘How to Pick a Pocket or Two’ and the following morning waved them away on their ploy to a lively ‘Be Back Soon’. His memorable best was undoubtably ‘Reviewing the Situation’, which was atmospherically set with  lighting plot and brilliantly portrayed and sung. 

The supportive female lead of Nancy was in excellent hands. ‘Fine’Life’ was strong, ‘Oom Pah Pah'  was lively, but the showstopper ‘As Long as He Needs Me’ was truly sung with heartfelt emotion and received exuberant applause. Although Nancy is a gutsy and strong character, her  love for ‘her Bill’  becomes her human weakness, which became evident in her perfect characterisation. 

The effervescent Bet, supported her best friend without faltering, showing great maturity for one so young in vocals and dance ability. 

The role of the devilish Bill Sykes was excellently portrayed. With lofty stature and vocal power the delivery of ‘My Name’, created shuddering fear from his menacing rendition which continued throughout the rest of his performance.  

The homely and cuddly Mrs Bedwin was perfect, as was the kind and caring Mr Brownlow. The tiny cameo roles of Old Sally and Dr Grimwig were also of significant value in the quality of the whole show. All of the principles shone in their roles. The children were outstanding and enthusiastic. Minor principals, chorus and dancers were invaluable in making this show the success that it was. 

Many congratulations to the production team, stage crew and band. Fabulous entertainment!

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