Oliver!

It is difficult to know where to start with this remarkable production by DTS' Youth section.  I have rarely seen a junior society perform better with the most remarkable acting and singing. They did justice to this wonderful score from the opening to the close. The principals, ranging in age from 9 to approximately 18, sang every number with incredible maturity and performed their parts with complete conviction. The audience were totally captured by the moving numbers which were being sung with such emotion and passion and every member of the chorus looked equally involved in the events taking place, acting, singing and moving around the stage with complete involvement in the story line.

Whenever I think of ‘Oliver’ my first thoughts are always of Fagin, Nancy and Bill Sykes and, of course, the Artful Dodger, as the real characters in the story and these are four very difficult roles to play. Luc Oratis, as Fagin, delivered a fine portrayal of this unsavoury, yet somewhat likeable man. His rendition of ‘Reviewing the Situation’ was magnificently constructed and executed. India Wells Miller as Nancy gave a brilliant portrayal of her character combined with an outstanding singing voice, very well supported by Abigail Oratis as Bet. Dom Lelean’s characterisation of Bill Sykes was exceedingly intimidating looking and sounding quite menacing and a ‘real live’ Bullseye was most unexpected. Poppy Buckley has natural stage presence and was therefore very suitably cast as the Artful Dodger. She lead the chorus with her outstanding version of ‘Consider Yourself’ like a pro. making this one of the show stoppers of the evening.

I have always loved the tremendous double act of Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney played by Freddie Newman and Alicia Butler. They were both equally strident and powerful and their duet ‘I Shall Scream’ was great fun. The Sowerberry family were equally funny, played well by Morgan Booloozian, Honey-Bea Hogan, Lauri House and Oliver Follett. Oliver Black played his namesake Oliver with feeling and conviction and all the other principals supported the show well.

The orphans were a lively bunch of children who sang, acted and danced their way through their many stage appearances with great enthusiasm and confidence. All the musical numbers were well sung by either soloists or the ensemble chorus, supported, as ever, by James Lelean and his team.. And let’s not forget the choreography, which was performed by children and very well executed.

The lighting design was exceptionally good, building a great atmosphere, despite limited space, and the scenery, costumes and makeup were excellent.  My heartfelt congratulations go to Julie Jordan and her team for coaching these young people to such a high standard and staging such a brilliant production.

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