Oliver!

It’s a pleasure to be out reporting on shows once more, and no less a pleasure than to kick off with Leven AMA’s “Oliver!”

A good opening scene with a healthy number of youngsters taking centre stage for “Food Glorious Food!”. Tonight’s group and, I am sure, the alternate group, were well rehearsed and disciplined in their movement.  The future of LAMA is looking healthy with this number of enthusiastic young people making early steps on to the stage.

The title role at this performance was ably performed by Inis Balfour, doubling on alternate nights with Matthew Garrie.  Inis played the role well, with his solo “Where is Love” finding a place in the hearts of the audience.

Alan Blair as Mr Bumble, paired with Elinor Hay as Mrs Corney, worked well together – some of their facial expressions behind each other’s backs, adding to the comedy between the two.

The Artful Dodger (Lewis Walker) had a great personality with just the right amount of cheekiness which he maintained throughout. Craig Spence was a powerful and menacing Bill Sykes, enough to draw good-hearted “boos!” from the audience at the calls!  Andrew Doig put energy, as always, into the part of the loveable rogue, Fagin. Suitably distressed costuming and blacked-out (I hope!) teeth, all added to a first class portrayal of this, so well-known, character.  Nancy (Amy Elder) was suitably feisty when required, but her softer side came out in her rendition of “As Long As He Needs Me” which was loved by the audience. Her faithful friend Bet (Luci Laing), offered fine characterisation, and, I feel, was an excellent pairing with Amy.

Charles Sinclair played a suitably sombre Mr Sowerberry, with his wife (Shona Gardiner) being appropriately excitable.

Mr Brownlow (Laurence Crowe) demonstrated first class stage presence, with diction and well-paced delivery being second to none.

Noah Claypole (Alastair More) played this cameo role with the verve needed to scare the young Oliver into hiding.

The LAMA ensemble together with minor and supporting characters helped to bring this show to the standard we have come to expect from the Society. Tonight’s show was directed well by Carol Sinclair, with a very competent Alan Gibson as MD. Possibly it was where we were sitting (Row C) that on the odd occasion the singing was drowned out by the orchestra, particularly the opening number in Act Two. However, I am assured that this was not the case in the rear half of the auditorium! Choreography by Jemma Guild was controlled and actually quite amazing, given the numbers on stage and the tight space on which they were working.

A workable, (very) minimal set was used, but, possibly a little more could have been added in some scenes to adequately place the action. Nevertheless, in the confines of The Centre Stage, this may not have been possible.

Many thanks for the invite to your show – it’s nice to be back!

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