Oliver!

This wonderful and rousing production of Oliver! performed at the beautiful King’s Hall was directed by Mark Allan who was supported by Vickie Burns.  Musical Director, Mike Gilroy, had worked with all the cast to ensure that they excelled in their performances of the many musical numbers which were well supported by a live eleven-piece orchestra. 

The show was hugely entertaining and there was excellent characterisation by everyone on stage which I would normally say was a reflection of the well-considered casting, but as the list of understudies (as a result of health circumstances) which was read out before the production was the longest I have ever heard I can only suppose that this was because there had been so much planning, preparation and hard work by the production team that their commitment and dedication enabled the Society to carry it off.  Dickens’ presents the performer with some larger-than-life characters and the cast kept the audience entertained with their humorous portrayals.   However, it was not only the principal cast with which I was impressed but the ensemble delivered some super caricatures, particularly in ‘Oom-Pah-Pah’.    Taking the title role was Nick Ward who captured the innocence of Oliver and engaged well with the other characters, particularly in the scenes with Mr Brownlow, who was empathetically played by Andrew Howorth, and Mrs Bedwin, Loretta Marklew - who gave a lovely reprise of ‘Where is Love?’.  Ted Killan and Loretta Marklew were perfectly cast in the roles of Mr and Mrs Sowerberry which they played to great comedic effect including a super rendition of ‘That’s Your Funeral’. 

The role of Artful Dodger was played by Barnaby Killan.  Dodger introduces Oliver to the criminal underworld, and Barnaby gave a confident and entertaining performance.   Nancy was beautifully played by Chloe Woolley, whose fiery portrayal with stunning vocals was a delight.   She was well supported by Ellie Brown in the role of Bet.   Dale Chadwick was menacing and threatening in the role of Bill Sikes.   Chadwick worked well with Bullseye – who also gave a great performance.  

Completing the cast were Benjamin Kirk as Charley Bates, Catherine Killan as Dr Grimwig, Esther Killan as Charlotte, Oscar Wallace as Noah Claypole and Diana Rose as Old Sally.  The whole cast had clear diction and I didn’t spot a dropped line despite there being a number of people who took on the roles at short notice.  In commending their hard work, talent and performances I also want to mention those for whom the show didn’t happen – to have rehearsed and planned and not been able to deliver is a real shame, but the stand-ins did the Society proud.

Which brings me to the Old Goat himself, Fagin, and Mark Allan perfectly captured what the audience expects to see in this role.  As well as directing the production Allan demonstrated excellent characterisation and found the energy and mischief which is essential to bringing this well-known character to life.  The scenes with the younger performers were great and they need a particular mention because as either orphans or members of Fagin’s Gang they were all engaged with their roles and sang with strong, tuneful voices.

And now for a feat which I’m not sure has ever been achieved on stage before….Though only decided at the dress rehearsal Mark Allan also gave a strong performance as Mr Bumble.  The way in which he changed between two very different and very well-known characters was astounding.  There was also great work with Helen Smith, as a fabulous Widow Corney, who had also only come to the role in the weeks before the production.    I simply can’t praise this cast enough for their versatility and resilience in adapting to the different parts and working well together on stage.   There is also a need to congratulate them for ensuring that the audience received a production to a very high standard despite the numerous challenges they had faced. 

The costumes, which had been produced in-house, were very effective.  The set and props, again produced by an in-house team, was excellently designed and expertly moved by the stage crew and at times the cast.   I was particularly impressed with the splendour of the feast which crossed the stage during Food, Glorious Food.  There was effective use of lighting to give the required atmosphere and strong sound.

Congratulations to everyone involved – a really entertaining production and a demonstration of the determination and talent of amateur theatre. 

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