Oliver

It is always a pleasure to return to this beautiful theatre at Framlingham College, however this was the first time I have seen them produce a musical and it was a sheer joy to watch. With a cast of over 50 students and a full orchestra of twelve all under the watchful eye of Ted Moore, The Director of Drama at the college, we were certainly in for a treat.

The large multi-level set made an impressive backdrop and ensured the stage never looked over-crowded. With  minimal additional set  needed the scene changes ran smoothly and maintained  good pace, with all essential props  being brought in by cast and student stage hands. I must add  however, a tiny criticism, that the cooking pot and spoon in the opening scene did look far too clean, modern and shiny! This set was also complimented with good lighting and the all important fog effect giving additional character to the scenes along with costumes looking suitably drab, dirty and of the period.

The production opened in the workhouse with the full cast singing and dancing to the all familiar ‘Food Glorious Food’ performed energetically  with Oliver (Lottie Bell) plucking up the courage to ask for more. She played this part beautifully with a delicate naivety but as the show progressed she showed her steel by standing up to Mr Bumble and Bill Sykes with confidence. With many songs including the solo ‘Where is love’, all were excellently sung with  great feeling and she captured the character perfectly.  Jake Croft-Sharland was Mr Bumble with Ruby Field as Widow Corney. They worked well together with Ruby bringing  out the maturity and comedy that the roles called for.  Oscar Ward,  as we have seen in previous roles,  can turn his hand to bring his own interpretation to a given role very successfully.  Here playing  Mr Sowerberry, the Undertaker, he gave  great confidence and  energy to this  comic role. This scene is completed with Mrs Sowerberry (Margot Sidebottom) an excellent performance, Noah Claypole (Daniel Bayman) &  the flirty Charlotte (Bella Elderton) all trying to tame Oliver. This is a great little scene and is acted well by all, finishing with the humorous rendition of ‘That’s Your Funeral’.

We then meet the Artful Dodger (Lucia Sanchez-Leost),  and she plays this smart character with confidence and guile as she takes Oliver to meet the gang. Fagin (Tilda Hardy) commands the stage, always in control, never letting her character drop, whilst portraying affection for the gang but with a cunning disposition to ensure her own future. Nancy is played by Katherine Williams who portrays maturity beyond her years, a very demanding role showing tenderness, compassion and massive emotion even in the face of danger to herself.  All of the singing from the whole cast is of a high standard, but this young lady is absolutely extraordinary and I think one of the best I have ever heard on the amateur stage performing the song ‘As Long As He Needs Me’.

This strong principal cast is competed with the line-up of the evil and menacing Bill Sykes (Rafa Sedeno) and Nancy’s little friend Bet, nicely played by Martha Wallis.   Also Mr Brownlow (Jack Sizeland) who is striving to find good in everyone, the very well spoken Dr Grimwig (Archie McEwan)  and by no means least the delightful Mrs Bedwin (Molly Flack).

 The ensemble along with Charlie Scott, dance captain, performed with great energy and timing. The choreography  by Sarah Hastings was excellent always utilising the very large stage effectively from the opening number, with the cast  jumping over tables in the general confusion, to Fagin’s gang  with Nancy and Bet and the big number ‘Who Will Buy’.  I was most impressed with all four singers in this number, particularly the Knife Grinder who was flawless in his presentation and timing. 

There are so many iconic songs and the MD’s Lucy and Dominic certainly had their work cut out in producing some excellent singing. Fagin’s ‘Reviewing The Situation’ was sung with feeling and emotion. Special mention should also go to the violin playing in this song which gave us that traditional Jewish flavor.  It’s one of those songs where timing is led by the singer and this experienced orchestra played accordingly, all credit to them for their professionalism and talent. Sound levels were very well controlled between orchestra and singers.

Having directed Oliver in the past I know first-hand the time and effort one puts into bringing a production of this scale  and complexity together and  under Ted Moore ‘s  experienced direction  along with his team, the cast produced a first class and highly enjoyable show for this appreciative audience.

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