Oliver!

This group of lively youngsters gave a performance that thrilled their parents and their audience. The opening strains of Food Glorious Food  set the tone for the whole with good singing and clear diction. The chorus was well drilled and confident while this year’s principals all portrayed their roles with commitment. Young Oliver sang truly, engendered sympathy throughout, especially in Where is Love? and was both suitably bewildered and excited by Fagin and his gang. The Artful Dodger oozed the cocky cockney wise-cracker and sang strongly. Mr Bumble rumbled his role as the Beadle and sang the difficult One Boy for Sale with aplomb. His counterpart Widow Corney was also suitably drawn, in good clear voice and also a good match for him! Both brought out the comedic elements of I Shall Scream. The undertaker scene came through strongly. Fagin presented himself as caring and amiable in Pick A Pocket or Two then revealed his total self interest in Reviewing the Situation before we saw his inability to combat the stronger personalities of Sykes and Nancy. Bill Sykes caught the menace and cruelty of the role while Nancy, at 13, excelled herself in developing a feisty character ready to go against the mighty Bill, yet also revealing her need for love in a well delivered and emotional As Long as He Needs Me. Supporting the main principals, Mr Brownlow, Mrs Bedwin and Dr Grimwig brought a calm contrast to the sound and fury of Sykes and Nancy. Particularly well arranged and delivered was the Who Will Buy? number with the sellers all keeping to their harmonies. Everyone was well served by the orchestra (especially the violinist) and by a background of cloths which created the London scenes. All in all, everyone has worked hard to provide this entertaining show. Congratulations to all.                                                                         

Oliver Twist- Erin Mackintosh; Mr Bumble- Eilidh Gallacher; Widow Corney-Hailey Honey; Mr Sowerberry- Rebecca Adam; Mrs Sowerberry- Becca Tait; Charlotte- Rachael Mclardy; Noah Claypole- Cohen Gurung; The Artful Dodger- Jessica Bradley; Fagin – Eilidh Smith, Nancy- Robyn Gilbertson; Mr Brownlow-Sorcha Hay; Bet- lily Harvey; Bill Sykes- Lewis Eggling; Mrs Bedwin – Mhairi Gallacher. Dr Grimwig- Hayleigh Gilland; Old Sally- Eildigh Morton.

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