Oliver

Oliver is a well known story which has been performed by many societies. The show provides opportunity for youngsters and older members. Llangollen “Young Uns” show their ability to work all of the parts in this show. They prove that they have lots of talented youngsters to put on this popular musical.

Director Robin Crowley and Producer Pamela Williams showed that they still have their own interpretation of the show. Due to the lack of space in this venue they are well versed in using levels, entrances and exits and have quick scene changes.

It was ever thus. The show opened on to excellent painted brick walls encasing the stage. Children sitting on benches, choreographed dancing over and round them. There was lovely harmony singing throughout. Changes of scenery were made very cleverly by the cast moving large net gauze curtains to create different rooms.

The undertakers’ scene finished with Mrs Sowerberry pushed into the coffin. There were doors at the back of the stage and a big surprise when Fagin’s gang entered and exited via a trap door. The “Where is love” song was set very well at the back of the stage and lighting effect were just right.

MD Julian Cattley had good control of the band and their volume. He also followed the singers, adjusting to them on several occasions. A great support for the actors. There were a lot of excellent characters and opportunities for parts in Oliver. Fagin’s gang, market stall singers, undertakers workhouse children, compassionate parts, ‘baddies’, several of the cast played multiple parts and were excellent at changing.

Then, of course, there were the well known parts. Mr Bumble (Aled Morris) was excellent, portraying his part with authority. His singing was excellent, he has had lots of experience in this company and it showed. Well done Aled.

The Artful Dodger (Freya Mortimer) had lots of energy which she held all throughout. Her singing and diction were splendid. Nancy (Heledd Edwards) also showed her experience – for example, moving into the spot during her song. She controlled the stage in her famous songs “Oom-Pah-Pah” and “As Long As He Needs Me”. She is moving on now to university and it seems “Young Uns” has played a part in her choice of courses. Good Luck – you will be missed.

However, there is lots of talent still within Young Uns” and hopefully carried in to the adult company.

Fagin (Kelsey Thornton) has a difficult task to portray wickedness and tenderness. He moved well and was word perfect in his “Reviewing The Situation” number. Bill Sykes (Freddie Thornton) was the villain of the piece. I am sure he will benefit in the future from playing this difficult role. He appeared to be nervous at first but developed during the show. Widow Corney (Lerir Roberts) was also slow at the beginning, but soon took charge of Mr Bumble. Well done.

There was very clear diction from Mr Sowerrberry (Sam Gonzalez jones) and Mrs Sowerberry (Sophie Siddall) in “That’s Your Funeral”. Oliver Twist (Dylan Harrison) gave a good portrayal, thank goodness Llangollen will not inherit a pickpocket. Olver was too nice to continue that skill. I hope he will enjoy his future roles in the “Young Uns”.

I know I have not mentioned other members of the cast by name but suffice to say you all played good supporting roles which are needed to complete this excellent show.

Costumes were just right, especially Mr Bumble. You even have skilled milliners in your team it appears.

I am never disappointed when I come to Llangollen shows. Again you gave us a performance to remember. It is a pity to see that not only are some of your young performers but your Director Robin Crowley and your Producer Pamela Williams are also moving on. They leave behind them a legacy of sharing skills and teaching the “Young Uns” to perform many memorable, imaginative shows. They will be a hard act to follow, but I am sure there will be others willing to give it a go.

I look forward to your next show.

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