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Oliver

Author: Catherine Dixey

Information

Date
4th January 2020
Society
The CTC
Venue
The Apex Theatre, Bury St Edmunds
Type of Production
Musical
Director & Musical Staging
Bridie Horne
Musical Director
Jade Tournay-Godfrey
Choreographers
Heidi Fox, Saffron Hewitt, & Leanda Shelton
Assistant Director
Madeleine Mears

Oliver is always a good family crowd puller and this was certainly true,  with full houses  through  the New Year up to 4th January. The audiences were exceptionally well entertained by these young people. The show was a collaboration with  both  junior and senior performers  from The CTC, ranging in age from 5 – 21 years of age and with a cast of over 60. It was clearly evident  that they all worked together so well  and were so supportive of each other.

The show opened with the workhouse children,  in a well choreographed  ‘Food, Glorious Food’ and with Oliver,  played by the 10 year old Lloyd Sayles,  emerging from the ensemble.  He was excellent in his portrayal, from the sad little boy singing ‘Where is Love’ to the energy of charging around in the  Funeral Parlour scene.  Wilfred Kemsley played Mr Bumble, not an easy part to play for a young person, but he did well and gave a strong  performance of ‘Boy for Sale’.   Jack Moxon’s  characterisation of  a slightly creepy Mr Sowerberry was  convincing and thought provoking.  Matt Gilchrist was an excellent Fagin,  both in his singing and acting and kept up a good accent throughout.  Saffron Hewitt  was outstanding as Nancy,  with her excellent version of ‘As Long As He Need Me’.   Rowan Murphy, again excellent as the cheeky Artful Dodger.  Indeed it was all so well cast with  many outstanding performances and absolutely no weaknesses.  All the cast must take great credit for this.

‘Consider Yourself’ and ‘Who Will Buy’  are two of the big numbers which were sung and choreographed  superbly.  With such a large number of cast onstage together,  all acting out their individual  characters,  whilst moving around stage  and your eye was constantly  being drawn  from  one group  to another, all working together seamlessly. It was very cleverly choreographed. The standard of singing and dancing  was exceptional . The large orchestra under the leadership of Jade Tourney-Godfrey was excellent and were kept  well on their toes, allowing  Fagin to rule the tempo of  his song and holding the long notes  in  ‘ Reviewing The Situation’.  

The set, which had been constructed in-house gave just the right feel of the Victorian setting on different levels, enhanced by some very good lighting effects.   The costumes by Susan Rowe, were also were just right, including the delightful  ABC dresses for the little school children. 

Bridie’s passion and dedication  for working with these young people  was  clearly evident. She should feel thoroughly proud of her achievements and that of all her cast and crew.

We will certainly look forward to more  productions, in the coming year.

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