Oliver!

It has been some years since I last saw a production of Oliver! and I had forgotten just how good the music and lyrics are. Lionel Bart’s wonderfully vibrant musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist premiered in the West End in 1960, but it still seems just as fresh and exciting as the day it opened, when brought to life in this production, directed by Mark Hall - his first for CAOS.

Much depends on the children in the show and we were not disappointed by the group I saw on the opening night, led by a suitably waif-like Danny Easson-Hastings as Oliver and a cheeky Ned Bennett as The Artful Dodger. Both Danny and Ned impressed with their confident singing and acting. As a group too, the children sang and danced extremely well, producing a good volume and well synchronised in their choreography. With young talent like this being nurtured in the company, CAOS surely has a safe future.

Tom Cooke gave a very strong performance as a kind and genial Fagin, welcoming Oliver to his band of young thieves. All of his songs were beautifully interpreted and you ended up feeling rather sorry for him as he slinked off into the mist at the end of the show. Becky Anderson (Nancy) has a wonderful voice and great stage presence, doing full justice to her songs and fully convincing the audience that she has a kind heart. She was well paired with Lauren Costello as her sidekick Bet. Ashley Blake (Bill Sykes) has a magnificent voice: powerful and melodious, but could perhaps have been a little more menacing.

Stephanie Treagust as Widow Corney and Paul Bennett as Mr Bumble worked well together in their scenes in the workhouse and later as a married couple. Stephen Burt was an affable and sympathetic, if slightly too young, Mr Brownlow – well matched with Sally Markham as the kindly Mrs Bedwin.

In addition to the main stage, the director made good use of the floor area in front of the audience –most notably at the start of the “Who Will Buy” number as the market traders gathered one by one, singing a cappella and moving up to the main stage as their numbers grew and the orchestra joined in. A stunning rendition of this lovely song.

The fourteen-piece orchestra, under the capable baton of Musical Director Michael Servant, gave a wonderfully vibrant and brassy sound, which suited the mood of the show well, but at times their volume overwhelmed the singers a little. Sound quality was generally very good, enabling the audience to hear even the smaller voices really well.

The staging was simple but effective, with a back cloth of old London enhanced by trucks and suitably period furniture, as required. Imaginative choreography, colourful costumes and well-designed lighting completed the picture, the lighting enhancing the atmosphere well, particularly when marking the difference between the Brownlow’s safe, clean and bright house and the dangerous, drab and gloomy world outside.

A special commendation must go to Edward Thurgood, who stepped in at the last minute to take over the role of Noah Claypole. You would never have known this from the polished and confident performance he gave.

A few first night gremlins managed to creep into the show with some microphone problems and late lighting cues. The scene changes were also a little protracted at times, but I’m sure it will all become much slicker as the week goes on. None of these problems detracted in any way from my enjoyment of the show – well done to everyone involved!

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