Oliver

I was very pleased to be asked to cover for my colleague, Judith Smith, to attend the President's Evening for Bradford Catholic Players' production of 'Oliver'. This timeless classic is always a sure-fire winner with audiences young and old and a full house provided the point on the night.

This is the second production for BCP at their new surroundings in the Beckfoot School Theatre, after leaving the Bradford Alhambra and I felt they were very much at ease there. The playing area at Beckfoot, for productions, is not an easy one - a flat space with  the audience on raised seating, but the Director and Choreographer, Craig Cowdroy, had worked very hard to ensure a slick, professional production, with a set that gave levels, steps and corners for his cast to work on. Craig himself played the eccentric miser, Fagin, to perfection - his cast of exceptional principals added to the mix - clear diction, strong presentation and energy - and did they need it, with all the running about they had to do on the set! The musical direction was in the firm control of Michael Gilroy - I enjoyed some additional musical phrasing which he had added - it made the score come alive and he kept the tempos up, all the time being sensitive to the singers. Both he and his orchestra were hidden behind the blacks, but impressed, nevertheless. An excellent ensemble really worked hard with well-drawn Dickensian characters.

I must mention the younger members of the cast, who performed their roles extremely well - from confident performances by Oliver and the Artful Dodger to the tiniest child, they had been well drilled - they did not put a foot wrong.

An unseen but talented crew worked just as hard backstage - the BCP technical team were efficient, sound and lighting excellent; the costumes, with correct footwear and underwear (well done!); make-up and wigs were of a professional standard (just a tad heavy on the men's eyeliner!) The front-of-house team had decorated the foyer with a Victorian theme and were most welcoming and helpful to their audience.

Finally, I must say, although I have seen 'Oliver' many, many times, this production will stay in my memory for a long time - my sincere congratulations to you all.

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