Oliver

Hey Kids deliver Oliver book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart with energy – let’s not forget these are all under the age of 18. Oliver first opened in 1960 at the Wimbledon Theatre. It was the first musical to be adapted of Charles Dickens for stage and it still stands strong today.

With Director Sarah Davey, Production Coordinator Nick Angus, Musical Director Ceri Graves, Choreographer Rebecca Flemming and Stage Manager Steve Brady as the team behind the show, some serious planning has gone into this production.  With a wide stage to fill this was well thought out: two levels with stairs either side coming on the stage, the back wall with brick effect arches, four long tables are set. Stage left is the Workhouse Parlour with partial scenery to give the feel and suitable chairs. Stage right is Mr Brownlow’s parlour with chaise longue and pink velvet chair to match. Lighting was good and I particularly liked the effect when Nancy was singing her reprise of “As long As He Needs Me” - very atmospheric (Lighting by Rob Armstrong). Costumes were all in keeping and of the time - Wardrobe by Gillian Walsh and Jeanette Brown. Make-up and Hair also complemented – I was just not sure of the blue eye-shadow on some of Fagin’s gang (Hair and Make-up by Helen Ireland and Hannah Greenway).

Sarah directs this show with a cast of nearly 40 with ease - the opening was great with suitably dirty faced orphans entering on stage and through the audience. The ensemble had energy and focus and one or two stood out as giving their all and looking to be enjoying every moment on stage - great work! Playing the title role was Elijah Walsh with an innocence and fragility about him, Daisy Rowe was Mrs Bedwin - a notable performance, Matilda Wyer was Bet, Isaac Walsh was Noah Claypole, Maizie-Amelia Stanbank as Charlotte, Callum Grogan played Mr Brownlow, Benjamin Holt was Dr Grimwig and Jack Tonge as an energetic Charlie – I am sure Sarah mentioned not speaking too fast, the reason being if you do we miss some of the dialogue I am sure nerves played a part in this, so I know it is difficult. That said - well done all!

Max Kenyon as the imposing Mr Bumble was hilarious and certainly had timing and his partner in crime Daisy Parton playing Widow Corney worked well together. Garion Large as Mr Sowerberry and Eve Iddon as Mrs Sowerberry also worked well together and brought great energy on to the stage and kept it up. I must also mention Rhiannon Thompson who started “Who Will Buy” so confident and just beautiful - well done!

Chris Wright-Amis as Bill Sykes belies his youth and possibly with the deepest voice I have ever heard, which added to the character.

George Ireland took on the part of Dodger - the likeable rogue who introduces Oliver to the gang. He had a charm about his performance and good chemistry with Fagin and Nancy.

Nate Lord-Vayro was Fagin - possibly one of the hardest characters to portray - he is crooked, sort of looks after his boys while feeding mouldy sausages to them but he is out for himself - even though he deliberates on whether he should take a wife & thinks he should think again. Nate took on this character with ease and a maturity above his years. The set looked great in his den too - complete with lit fire.

And finally to Nancy played by Tilly Smith - just wow! When she sang it was silent in the auditorium. I think Ceri Graves as MD was probably doing a little dance when she landed the role. Just effortless and every note hit with ease. “As Long As He Needs Me” was just sung pure and with emotion “A Fine Life” with Fagin and Gang was great too. Shani Wallis would have been proud if she had watched this production (yes, she is still alive - I had to Google) - fabulous work!

The Cast, Crew and Committee must surely be riding high on this production - well done and a big thank you for your hospitality from my guest Angela and I for making us feel so welcome.

 

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