Oliver!

This particular musical is always a crowd pleaser, with its catchy tunes, large children’s chorus and a dog, and this production proved no different. 

The set was simply superb. At the back of the stage were different levels clad in wooden panels, which worked well as Fagan’s lair but also for the street scenes. Just the right amount of dry ice was added to create atmosphere and this was further enhanced by a low hum of background noise to evoke a bustling capital city.  Downstage right was a small room which served as Widow Corney’s parlour, the undertaker’s and the bedroom at Mr Brownlow’s with the addition of appropriate furniture and props. This was a well thought out set which served the cast well and provided plenty of interest for the audience by way of levels and different entrances and exits. Very well done to the set designer and a very talented construction team, who must have worked very hard to achieve such a professional looking set.

Lighting and sound were also excellent, with the sound balance just right so every word was heard over the music and some very interesting and atmospheric lighting.

Costumes and makeup did a fine job with appropriate and pleasing looks for every character.

Oliver! very much relies on the children and this was a joyous group of young people.  They had a real energy and their obvious enjoyment of being on stage spread to the appreciative audience. They had entrances and exits from every corner of the theatre and ran at full pelt through the auditorium and on and off stage. There were some lovely moments amongst the chorus of children, with great characterisation as they sang and danced with gusto.

The team was led by a very confident Artful Dodger, who had a particularly strong singing voice. He contrasted well with the more vulnerable and angelic looking Oliver, who proved to be an excellent actor.

The adult cast were no less talented.  Nancy had a beautiful singing voice and belted out the classics such as ‘As long as he needs me’ and ‘Oom-Pah Pah’ with ease.  She gave a strong performance as this feisty character and proved to be just as good at acting and dancing. She had an easy rapport with Bet and the two worked well together.

Fagin proved to be a crowd pleaser and engaged well with the audience. Likewise Bill Sikes gave a strong portrayal with a menacing presence on the stage as those around cowered in the corners. His dog, Bull’s Eye, made a fleeting but enjoyable appearance, much to the amusement of the audience.

There were also some memorable performances from the rest of this talented cast. I very much enjoyed the scenes at the undertakers with Mr and Mrs Sowerberry, their daughter Charlotte and the cheeky Noah Claypole. The addition of the northern accents at the start of the show worked well before Oliver arrives in London. I also loved the relationship between Widow Corney and Mr Bumble who were very entertaining in their scenes.  Some excellent singing again from Mrs Bedwin in her reprise of ‘Where is Love?’ and another nice pairing with a strong and dependable Mr Brownlow.

Like the children’s chorus, the adult chorus had a good energy and performed well together. ‘Who will buy’ was a beautiful moment in the show and contrasted well with the energetic chase and rowdy pub scenes.

Choreography was effective and worked to the cast’s strengths.

All in all, this was a very thoughtful, well directed and enjoyable show. To put on any show during a pandemic is quite an achievement but to tackle a show of this size was remarkable. The theatre was packed with a very appreciative audience and this talented cast and crew deserved the rapturous applause they received. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.