Oliver

Mayhem Youth Theatre brought this large scale musical Oliver! to the stage, and it was a challenge they faced with skill and professionalism. Unbelievable that this was a young cast from 9 to 13 years! The central role Oliver Twist was equally well played by Otis Latham and Harry Thomas I saw both, with fine singing and acting from these performers .The first number, Food Glorious Food, choreographed very well and the enthusiasm shone. Mia Hall as Mr Bumble gave a commanding opening, working very well with all the characters encountered in this scene, diction perfect. Widow Corney, Ella Morgan gave an excellent lively characterisation, songs full of expression .The scenes with The Sowerberry’s were very good, Mr Sowerberry, Joel Parry, Mrs Sowerberry Amelia Bartlett-Smith was brilliant, her interpretation of the role and all in the funeral song excelled. I liked her way with Mr Bumble!

Dual roles for The Artful Dodger, Polly James and Elis Phillips, different, yet both made a star role of Dodger with fabulous dance and song routines.

Outstanding performance of Fagin by Lawrence Regan, every expression, he had it right in every scene, and a great accent!

A showstopper performance from Megan Adams as the famous character Nancy, lit up the stage, looked amazing and voice, presence.. Wow ! Bill Sykes, Aled Phillips made this part his own, menacing and a very good song, not easy, so well done.

Congratulations to all the team, Stage Director Andrew Griffiths and all those who assisted.

Excellent Musical Director Ruth Friend, and outstanding Helen Stidolph, Rehearsal and Performance Accompanist, helped these young people through this show, along with Andrew Griffiths their inspirational Stage Director and many others behind the scenes. This shows chorus numbers were full of life with some good harmonies and all the other key parts were very well played.

It seems incredible that this famous iconic musical chosen to perform by Mayhem Youth Theatre has been staged since the 1960’s and the 1968 film is still shown regularly on TV and performed everywhere. An amazing concept of Victorian London life by creator Lionel Bart.

Thank you for your kind hospitality on two nights, we were delighted to attend.

This production did it proud, Mayhem took the big challenge and excelled!

 

This review is the sole opinion of the Author Dee Mc Ilroy NODA

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