Oliver!

The cast of 63 young people aged between 10 and 13 years certainly made a glorious sound when they took to the stage in this production of Lionel Bart’s perennial favourite, especially in the full company numbers like “Food Glorious Food” and “Oom-Pah-Pah”, and executed Fiona Beedie’s choreography with well-drilled precision. April Nicholson was delightful as the titular character Oliver with an innocent look and good acting and singing abilities – her rendition of “Where is Love?” was heart rending. Finlay Swan made an impressive Fagin showing both strong acting and singing prowess in his numbers with the boys of his gang but especially in his solo “Reviewing the Situation”. Alyssa Usmani was excellent as the Artful Dodger with just the right amount of cheekiness and swagger in her acting and strong singing voice as shown in her lead in “Consider Yourself” with the full company. Amber Fowlie was outstanding as Nancy with strong stage presence and a powerful voice shown to its best in her rendition of “As Long As He Needs Me” which was fully deserving of the rapturous applause it received. Zak Leyni was a truly frightening and threatening Bill Sykes as he prowled and growled his way through his scenes and his solo “My Name”. Jacob Knight as Mr Bumble and Molly Thomson as Mrs Corney were a delightful comic pairing especially in the transformation of Bumble from over-bearing tyrant to quivering hen-pecked minion. Another pairing which elicited laughter were Nicholas Faber-Johnstone and Sophie Clark as undertakers Mr & Mrs Sowerberry and their rendition of “That’s Your Funeral” was a delight. William Donnelly made a very commanding but compassionate Mr Brownlow delivering his lines with excellent clarity. Strong support was given by Emilia Hezner (Bet), Smilla Addison (Charlotte Sowerberry), Sloane Martin (Noah Claypole), Riyansh Kirodian (Dr Grimwig), Maya Stephen (Mrs Bedwin), Iris McComiskie (Old Sally) and Esme Wright (Charley Bates). The 4 piece band, under Musical Director Rhonda Scott, gave good support but never over-powered the youthful voices. Shirley McGill’s direction made good use of the multi-level set designed by Susan Begg which, when coupled with Donald Munro’s lighting design, gave a very good impression of Victorian London. Costuming was always appropriate to the characters and the period. Congratulations JAYMT on another superb show.

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