Oliver!

After two years and more in the planning and some further frustrations along the way this show finally came to the stage in this eagerly awaited production.  There will have been many times when officials of the Society could have sympathised with Widow Corney’s threat that she would scream, especially after the original rightsholder seemed to disappear with all the expertise of one of Fagin’s gang and their successors began to make other, not always readily acceptable demands.  I understand it was a plea which landed on the desk of none other than Sir Cameron Mackintosh which finally did the trick.

The version which finally saw the light of day here is apparently the only one now available and there are a few subtle differences from what we may have seen in the past. For example, Bill Sykes makes an appearance in Act 1 to deliver some of his ill-gotten gains to Fagin, a reminder that he too was once one of the gang. The orchestrations also show some interesting variations and the interludes during “Reviewing the situation” are now given to the clarinet rather than a violin.

The cast all handled their respective roles with confidence, none more so than the young principals, Benjamin Freeman as Oliver on this first night and Chloe Collins as Dodger. I have not seen this part played by a young lady before but, with a number of girls amongst the workhouse orphans and Fagin’s gang, there is no reason why this part should not be so cast; it worked well and required only the occasional change to the script. It was good to see how Dodger took Oliver under her wing much more obviously than is sometimes the case. Keith Humphrey made his debut as a principal with a suitably threatening performance as Bill Sykes and he was clearly pleased to be greeted by hisses and boos at his curtain call. Kyra Lewindon seemed to grow into the part of Nancy as the evening progressed and Steve Hibbs made a good job of his role as Fagin. There is not a lot of comedy in this show but what there is was well handled by Michelle Freeman as Widow Corney and Ryan Stocks as Mr. Bumble and Jude Humphrey and Colin Fine in the funeral parlour as the Sowerberrys. Supporting parts were well played by experienced members of the Society.  An excellent orchestra gave a good lead and scenery, though fairly simple, was effective.                

Whilst this, their main show, takes to the stage at the much larger Harrogate Theatre, the Society is fortunate to own its own premises and has taken the opportunity over the last two years to make improvements there. What is now known as Ripon Arts Hub is used not only by the Society for smaller productions but also by other visiting solo performers and groups, thus creating a valuable resource in the city.  The Chair, in her programme note, asks the question posed in the opening number – “is it worth the waiting for?”.  She thinks so and I can but agree, with congratulations to this Society not only for another excellent production but also for putting the waiting time to such good use.      

 

 

 

 

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