Oliver!

BAOS Youth

This was my first visit to see BAOS Youth and their first production since the Pandemic, Lionel Bart’s Oliver The Musical, the story based on the 1838 novel by Charles Dickens. BAOS had two casts for this production, and I saw Cast 2.

The set designed by Alex Smith and the Director Louise Marsh had a cut-out of the London skyline, a raised area of simple scaffolding, with stairs both sides, giving us some varying levels, and also enabled the depiction of Fagin’s lair as beneath the city which worked really well. A nice touch was the downstage leg, brickwork, and a lamppost, which set the scene very well. The lighting enhanced the set and there were minimal problems with sound.

Overall, the costumes worked well and were in period, personally I do prefer a more uniform orphanage look and there were definitely some modern items of clothing here and there. Don’t forget the shoes.

This cast worked so well together clearly enjoying being back on the stage again, the ensemble enthusiastic and well drilled, with the choreography by Toria Ford. Singing was very strong, a particular highlight was “Who Will Buy” the soloists, harmonies and the wall of sound produced was lovely. There were some lovely characterisations that I noticed in the ensemble as well as some lovely dancers.

Oliver was just adorable, immediately gaining the audiences hearts, her voice a delight. The actress playing Dodger was energetic and embraced the character fully. Fagin not an easy role for a young girl to play, was fully immersed in the character. Nancy was an accomplished actress with a great voice, I loved the physicality in her performance. Bet, an often-overlooked character and often in the shadow of Nancy was portrayed strongly and her responses when more in the background were lovely. Bill Sikes was suitably sinister also with a lovely tone to his voice. The reprise of “Fine Life” is such a tricky number which these three managed ably. Mr Bumble and Widow Corney, great characters, were confidently approached with some lovely comedy moments, the same with the Sowerberry’s and Noah and Charlotte, all bouncing off each other to create a great scene. I also must mention the actress playing Old Sally, who elicited a great audience response.

Congratulations to everyone involved on an impressive performance. I cannot wait to see Addams Family next year.

These comments solely reflect the view of the Representative and can only relate to the performance seen.

 

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