Oliver!

I always look forward to seeing this musical, especially when I know the quality of players taking the major roles. The opening of the show was full of dynamic movement and action around the workhouse dining hall and gave the chorus of boys and girls a huge opportunity to shine vocally. The young star playing Oliver was excellently cast  and played the role with suitable feistiness and cute innocence, singing for us with great emotion during his beautiful, pitch perfect  rendition of ‘Where is Love’. Oliver’s appropriate fear of Bumble was evident and was also justified, as Bumble was a strong and superbly cast character which also has some very difficult vocals to cope with, but was sung throughout with great ease. The duo of Mr Bumble and Widow Corney, both Company Stalwarts, was hilarious. Both characters were perfect and larger than life. Quite obviously they both were very comfortable with each other and had the audience in stitches during ‘I Shall Scream’. The cameo roles of Claypole, Charlotte and Mr and Mrs Sowerberry,  married well in character, the latter coping very well with ‘That’s Your Funeral’. The key role of The Artful Dodger was in very capable hands, and he solidified his friendly introduction to Oliver through the show-stopping number ‘Consider Yourself’. Both boys become part of the excellent  company number which builds to include dancers, movement and choral support to warrant rousing and worthy audience applause. The simple but hugely effective set for Fagin’s lair housed lively activity, as all the urchins enjoyed the fun with Fagin while they practiced their pick-pocketing skills during the brilliant rendition of ‘Pick a Pocket or Two’ and later in the show an excellently delivered ‘Reviewing The Situation’. The role of Fagin and Nancy was expertly cast and together they exuded a warm theatrical affection, and the whole scene grew through the finely choreographed and brilliantly sung, ‘Fine Life’ and ‘I’d Do Anything’.  The characterisation of Nancy showed all aspects of her personality; the kindness and loyalty shown to the care of a child like Oliver and the love for the brutal and fearsome Bill. She also gave an effortless and mesmerising performance of one of the my favourite female numbers from any show, ’As Long as He Needs Me’. Bill was particularly menacing and violent towards The Three Cripple chorus and dancers, which might have disturbed some of the audience as well. He vocalised ‘My name’ in a manner that you’d never not forget it. The uplifting street scene ‘Who Will Buy?, with Criers and Oliver,  proved their excellent vocal ability and built to a superb chorus number.  The support cast were all very strong taking great credit at the final walk down. Hats off to the brilliant bunch of kids too and good luck with the new IDAOS Stage School. The production team, stage crew and orchestra should all be so proud of this year’s production. Well Done!

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