Oliver!

This production certainly entertained the audience with some first-class performances by this
large cast. The pace was excellent and scene changes were seamlessly achieved using the
excellent set. The costumes were of a particularly good and appropriate quality and both the
set and costumes enhanced the story telling supported by good sound and light plots. This
was underpinned by a very competent orchestra under the direction of John Nicholls. On a
personal level I wasn’t a fan of the new orchestration, but it didn’t detract from any of the
performances.

The production team was lucky to have two young and talented actors in Brandon Westaway
(Oliver) and Isaac Burns (Artful Dodger). They both had a stage presence that belied their
age. They worked well together, and both sang, acted and danced with conviction. Fagin was
played by the impressive Darrell Burns and he always commanded the stage and Neville
Leedham was suitably cast as the evil Bill Sykes and he also made the stage his own. Ellen
Minton gave a strong performance as Nancy and brought out the different sides to her
character with some fine storytelling. She was well supported by Kirsty Busby as Bet. Any
story benefits from some appropriate humour and this was provided by Andy Nicholls (Mr
Bumble) and Sarah Mitchell (Mrs Corney). They made a good team and cmplemented each
other’s acting and singing skills. There was further humour from James Hogg (Mr Sowerberry)
and Ruth Stretton – Burns (Mrs Sowerberry) and ‘That’s your Funeral’ was well delivered by
them. Hannah Quirk (Charlotte) and Leo Wright (Noah Claypole) were also very adept at
displaying contrasting character traits. The story telling also involved some good
performances from Geoff Rowlands (Mr Brownlow), Geoff Tunnicliffe (Dr Grimwig), Sue
Samuel (Mrs Bedwin), Nikki Drew (Old Sally), Charlie Drew (Charley Bates) and, of course,
Bullseye played by Shadow.

There was some slick choreography and strong singing by principals, ensembles and chorus
from the opening number through to the last note sung. I must compliment all the children who
took part as orphans and as members of Fagin’s Gang. The energy level was always high so
well done for that. I must mention the sellers who sang ‘Who Will Buy’. This isn’t an easy
musical number and with the singers spread out as they were it is even more difficult, but it
was together and extremely well presented.

I must congratulate everyone involved in this production and thank you for a wonderful
evening’s entertainment.

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