Oliver!

I was delighted to be invited to see CAOS perform their 100 year Centenary Production of Oliver, the musical specifically chosen to celebrate this amazing society milestone allowing the opportunity of the adult society to be joined by CAOS Academy. The whole society as one during this iconic year of celebration also allowing for a cast of thousands bringing the stage to life in full celebration. Not often can a production allow so many performers but this was the perfect opportunity, Oliver the musical really requires little introduction as it is seen and used in many school products either as the full show or as a concert version, the songs being well known and the rags to riches outcome for Oliver the basis of the story. 

Jan Jackson as Producer along with Gaye Holmes as Choreographer must be credited for the immense undertaking of directing so many in a comparatively small stage area with such clever shaping and spacing. The work with the main principles was clear to see along with some excellent ensemble numbers. From the clever opening of a real life pregnant lady walking behind the,floating mistily lit, gauzedepicting Olivers mother. The workhouse rendering of Food Glorious Food performed with discipline and great timing from members of CAOS youth, particularly during table and floor scenes certainly set the tempo for the production to follow. The wellbuilt backdrop set with movable staircases linking to form the central bridge was cleverly used and moved seamlessly. The main set structure along with smaller set pieces, sometimes moved by back stage members at other times cast members, was well thought out allowing the audience to see the differing scenes without disrupting the flow. Your MD Peter Piper should be thrilled with the outcome, great ensemble numbers delivered with poise and balance, very clear diction being delivered by the youngest to the oldest along with the many solos bringing out the mood of the piece as required. That along with your orchestra playing the iconic songs whilst maintaining a volume so the cast and orchestra were both clearly heard. The lighting worked well throughout, enabling the scene changes and production to flow through light and dark, dreary and bright. 

Oliver the musical offers many roles to the company allowing actors the opportunity of taking on one of the many cameos. The young cast requires the innocence of Oliver, the devious Dodger and right hand man Charlie along with the young ensemble of orphans and Fagin’s gang. Thomas Needham as Oliver performed his role very well, showing a lovely level of naivety, poise and innocence . Your delivery of Where is Love was well acted and delivered with depth and meaning. Dodger performed by Josie Higgs, well done on a memorable performance, clear diction, a level of devilment and a cheeky grin. Your work with Oliver, the singing in Consider Yourself and interactions with Fagin all showing great character. Charlie Betts by George Strutt, another lovely performance in your many scenes with Oliver, in the ensemble numbers and within the gang. Well done. 

Mr Bumble by Tom Barlow , the iconic tyrant of the workhouse, pretending  to do good for the orphans whilst really feathering your own nest . Well delivered songs including Boy for Sale, Oliver and I Shall Scream ,Some memorable scenes in particular with Widow Corney by Kerry Masson-Wilson in I Shall Scream and the Oliver reprise in Act 2 , great fun. The two of you performed with power in speech and song, two lovely character parts performed well.

Mr Sowerberry by David Clayton and Mrs Sowerberry by Fay Banks, two-character parts performed well, Mr Sowerberry the down trodden husband of the strong forthcoming Mrs Sowerberry played out the great funeral parlor scenes with fun along with the well delivered ‘It’s Your Funeral ‘and the following day scene whilst chasing Oliver. The ensemble work of the coffin carriers and the four ghost like dancers added to the scene well. Fagin by Phil Tuffin, the iconic leader of the pick pocketing gang, Beautifully depicted character part maintained throughout, the twisting fingers, the crafty looks and creepy body language. Lovely scenes with the gang, whilst fearing the evil Bill Sykes, trying to see the best in Nancy and protecting her from Bill. Lovely scenes with Oliver and Dodger. You’ve Got To Pick a Pocket or Two delivered with meaning with the gang and a great performance of ‘ I’m Reviewing the Situation’ depicting what might or might not happen in the future. Nancy by Amy Palmer, this role requires an actor with great presence a strong voice along with kindness when acting with Oliver , this you showed with great ease. ‘It’s a Fine Life’ along with Bet by Olivia Marsden and ‘ Oom-Pah-Pah’ performed to the highest order along with the meaningful deep reflective solo of  ‘ As Long As He Needs Me’ . Bill Sykes by Harry Lynch-Bowers,the nasty feared villain, loved by Nancy but hated by most. A strong role with brutal delivery of lines, powerful delivery of ‘My Name ‘along with an unforgiving character portrayed fully.  

As mentioned there are many cameo roles including Agnes Brownlow by Connie Hughes, Matron by Jan Jackson, Charlotte by Hannah Moore, Noah Claypole by Anthony Palmer and Old Sally by Andrea Woolston. These were all carried out well, not large parts but all integral to the story, well done. 

Mr Brownlow by Ben Jackson, the kind gentleman, with the stiff upper lip of the gentry, Mrs Bedwin by Julie Tuffin showing all the kindness and compassion with Oliver and Dr Grimwig by Lee Hilton-Brammer, the Doctor who convincingly gets most observations wrong. Three well performed roles.

The ensemble throughout performed well, some lovely pieces of choreography, both danced and acted . Many rousing ensemble pieces, ‘Consider Yourself’ ‘Oom-Pah-Pah,’ ‘’ Who Will Buy ‘all performed with conviction and confident singing.

The costumes were very in keeping to the period.  

CAOS are a very inclusive group who maintain support through all ages of performers along with on and offstage family involvement and long may it continue. 

One small observation, I would have liked to see the orphans and Fagin’s gang looking a little more unkempt, perhaps some darker makeup streaks to faces hands etc.  The odd pair of shining patented shoes could have been changed as I I doubtthey would have been around then!

Your programme was outstanding, a memorable theatre journey.

A lovely evening of entertainment along with the hospitality shown from FOH. I hope you have wonderful audiences to enjoy this iconic celebration of CAOS Musical Theatre Society

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