OLIVER!

Based on possibly the most famous of Charles Dickens’ books – Oliver Twist – Lionel Bart wrote music, lyrics and script of this popular musical in 1960. It is a great company show with a good number of principal and minor roles, and both adult and children’s chorus.

Oliver Twist, the main character in the story, was played by James McDowell. He gave an appealing performance as the shy young workhouse boy and his singing of “Where is Love” was very touching. Mr Bumble (David McDowell) was suitably pompous but hen-pecked by Widow Corney (Helen Wilkinson). She was a very strong character and teased maximum comedy from her role. Mr and Mrs Sowerberry (Pete Olphert & Una Culkin) were confident in their macabre and insensitive roles and their flirtatious daughter Charlotte and rude apprentice Noah (Amy McCubbin & Sean Fisher) added to the action in the undertakers’ parlour.

The Artful Dodger was well interpreted by Seamus Donaghy – streetwise and mischievous, he didn’t miss a trick. His sidekicks Charley and Alfie (Conor McColgan & Adam Cunningham) show promise. All the children who took part as workhouse boys, street urchins and Fagin’s gang did well although some looked a little unsure at times. They sang out best when accompanied by an adult (ie. Fagin, Nancy, Bet, Lillie). Rosemary O’Connor gave a heart-warming performance as Nancy – her rendition of  “As long as he needs me” was a highlight of the show. Her friends Bet and Lillie (Aine Trolan & Nicole Williams) added to the fun in Fagin’s den and sang well. Stevie Black played Bill Sykes, the villain of the piece. As Nancy’s brutal and abusive lover he looked evil, but I did not find his quiet voice sufficiently menacing. Mr Brownlow (Harry Stinson) perfectly portrayed a gentleman while Mrs Bedwin (Elaine Macauley) was gentle and motherly with Oliver and sang the “Where is love” reprise beautifully. Robert Blair was amusing in his cameo role of the eccentric Dr Grimwig. All the street vendors (Gemma Campbell, Alice Tosh, Nicole Williams & Andy Lynn) sang very well and, together with the Chorus created a really lovely scene. All other small roles were well cast and the Chorus were lively and focused. Finally, Alan Morton made an excellent Fagin. He handled the role sporting his own natural beard and had all the nuances of the character plus a few extra of his own. A real tour de force.

The set was fairly standard with steps on either side of the stage linked by a bridge, and various insets. This accommodated the huge cast of over 80 without too much difficulty. I was glad to see the orphans, street urchins and thieves not too clean! Other costumes were fresh and colourful although I would rather have seen more variety among the chorus ladies.

The 11 piece orchestra was well controlled and sympathetic to singers. Choreography was appropriately focused towards the children and then to adult abilities. Production numbers – particularly “Consider Yourself” and “Oom-Pah-Pah” – were lively and well rehearsed. Direction was pacey and gave a chance to some new talent in the society. My thanks to everyone involved in “Oliver!” – a crowd pleaser for all the family groups attending.

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