OLIVER

This was a most enjoyable production of Oliver with a very strong cast in all the roles. Gareth Jones gave us a most confident portrayal as Fagin in a style somewhat different to the accepted Ron Moody way. Jessica Bellas was a fine Nancy singing and acting in a role she was most suited for. Jake Thompson was again a most suitably agressive Bill Sikes with a good strong voice. Adam Schewtschuk and Hannah Batchelor as Mr. Bumble & Widow Corney had perhaps the two most eye catching roles which they certainly made the most of especially in the wonderfully produced 'I Shall Scream' number. Robbie Saville in the main role as Oliver gave a super singing and acting performance one of the best I have seen in this role and Lyndan Barclay as the Artful Dodger gave a very fine mature performance. The choreography was excellent throughout and the training of Fagin's gang was outstanding - I was surprised that there are no boys in Batley! The remaining supporting cast were all of very high standards and did much to enhance this production as did the back up crew's costumes, lighting, sound and orchestra. The show was well staged and organised but I did think the settings were just a shade too smart for this show, a more scruffy appearance would have been better.

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