Oliver!

There is little that I can add to the very comprehensive ‘Page to Stage’ article in your programme – ‘Oliver!’ is indeed one of the best known/loved musicals of all time. It has one of the finest scores in a British show and combines the sounds of Music Hall, Folk and other popular genres.

I have taken part in the musical four times and know all the numbers inside out - also the dialogue for Mrs Sowerberry and Widow Corney - so it was like visiting an old and well-loved friend when I came to see your production last week.

Staging a show with children in it ensures a large audience and with well over 20 onstage the ticket sales must have been high. Hopefully you were able to make a profit or at least break even, which is becoming more and more difficult at The Rhoda McGaw.

The young people were totally involved in the action and clearly enjoying being so, and the opening scene was a taste of the energy that was present throughout the show.

The set of the Victorian workhouse was very good with the steps and the bridge providing different levels in the setting. Well done the set design/construction team.

Mr Bumble (Daniel Evans) and Widow Corney (Louisa Skinner) were clearly in charge and not to be questioned – that is until Oliver dared to do so! They were both sound in their roles – Bumble was confident in his important position as beadle and Widow Corney coy and biddable with him in order to charm him. Things changed once she became his wife - she then showed her true colours. She became an irascible, mean-spirited woman. ‘I Shall Scream’ was enjoyable.

As Mr and Mrs Sowerberry, Tom Daniels and Connie Law gave great performances – a creepy couple and another strong woman - and their costumes were wonderful.

In the title role, Gracie Aston was lovely. She has a sweet singing voice and acted well. It was a massive part for her to take on and she acquitted herself well.

Henry Skinner made a super Artful Dodger, full of personality and proud of his position in Fagin’s gang. ‘Consider Yourself’ was a particularly good number.

The incomparable role of Fagin fell to Julian Hirst. He played it strongly and the musical numbers were excellent. My only negative comment is that Fagin’s is depicted as an elderly Jewish thief-master, creepy, miserly and avaricious - and Julian looked rather wholesome for that description. Character makeup may have helped change his features a little?

Natasha Van Marle was first class as Nancy. Her rendition of ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ was very moving and her energy on stage was tangible. Her relationship with Fagin’s gang was clearly a really special, loving one, and her one with Bill was hard to imagine for the majority of us, but ever present amongst the type of people represented in that era.

Another lively and pert performance was from Ellie Blyth in the role of Nancy’s friend Bet.

The villain of the piece, Bill Sikes, was just as he should be - rough, scary and devoid of any finer sentiments. Oscar Musat was brilliant in the role. The great atmosphere and fun in ‘Oom Pah-Pah’ changed palpably when he made his entrance. His relationship with Nancy was quite terrifying and had the audience on the edge of their seats.

Daisy was very well behaved as Bullseye and has a great future ahead of her!

Mike played the benevolent Mr Brownlow ideally and made a wonderful contrast to the other people in Oliver’s life, calm and measured.

The youngsters in Fagin’s Gang played their parts enthusiastically and a couple of them were quite outstanding.

The other named characters all played their roles effectively and added their talent to that of the main principals. Vocal ability was first rate.

Choreography by Charlie was exceptionally good and the cast clearly well-rehearsed in it. The whole show was bursting with energy.

Jack’s direction was impressive. There were some lovely extra touches such as the school children with teacher in the reprise for ‘Who Will Buy’ and the transformation with characters from one scene to another.

Adam Blosse conducted his musicians strongly and the volume was just right.

Costumes were good as were the properties and furniture - loved the old wheelchair for Old Sally’s moment on stage.

Lighting and sound were well designed and operated except for occasionally in ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ when the spot wasn’t directly on Nancy.

Your programme is well presented and interesting to read and it’s encouraging to read so many family names in it. It bodes well for the future of HMT.

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