Oliver!

This production marked the society’s welcome return to Whitby Pavilion after a break of around 18 months and it was worth waiting for.

Having seen Oliver! a number of times over the years I’ve often found the opening scenes to be somewhat labourious.  Not here though I’m pleased to say as from the opening ‘Food, Glorious Food’ featuring the orphans and then moving into numbers from Mr Bumble and the Sowerberry’s we were quickly into the heart of the story.

This of course brings us to Oliver’s biggie ‘Where Is Love?’ and Tomasina Daynes-Hall’s portrayal of the central orphan, and her performance of this iconic song, was excellent.  The role is challenging for any youngster and Tomasina, 14, showed real strength of character throughout.  I also enjoyed Bevan Henry alongside her as Dodger who showed the right character and presented ‘Consider Yourself’ very well.

For me the stand out performance of the evening was from Glynn Mills as Fagin.  I felt he played the role in a slightly different way from what I was expecting but he was great.  ‘Reviewing the Situation’ was absolutely superb.

Georgie Samuels played the part of Nancy and she really used her voice in ‘As Long as He Needs Me’ although maybe a bit more light and shade would have added to the number.    We felt her pain though.  Her side kick Bet was nicely presented by Helena Graham.

I’ve already mentioned the orphans for getting the show off to a fine start and they were equally impressive when performing as Fagin’s gang.

Matt Stradling was a strong Bill Sikes showing his menace in ‘My Name’ and also having a good choice as his dog Bullseye (Rudy).

Mr Bumble (Kristian Griffiths) was enjoyable as was Linda Cudworth as Widow Corney along with Ivan Hall and Fiona Sellers as the Sowerberry’s, ‘That’s Your Funeral’ being well performed.

The show needs powerful back up performers and WAMTC were lucky with their team and I really liked ‘Who Will Buy’ and the opening to Act two, ‘Oom Pah Pah!’ led by Nancy and Bet.  Creditable performances were also given by Tamsin Buckle (Charlotte) and Kian Moore (Noah).  Overall the singing was good and not drowned by the orchestra although sometimes the cast had to wait for the accompaniment to commence.

Costumes generally were right for the time of the action and the set, constructed by society members, was ideal as was the lighting.

The production marked a directorial debut for Amy-Kay Pell and, I believe, a society debut for MD Zena Bentley.  They can be very pleased with their efforts as can the society.

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