Oliver!

A visit to Teesside MTC is always guaranteed to bring enjoyment and produce quality performances and seeing the last show of their run was no exception. With what seemed like a cast of thousands the stage never looked cluttered such was the skill of the director and the minimalistic approach to stage ‘furniture’.

With fine point of subtlety and interpretation from the very opening, the show just got stronger. Such was the strength in depth the children’s roles were double cast throughout with myself seeing team ‘custard’.

Based on the Dickens classic Oliver Twist all the characters are familiar, but that never stopped the director giving the cast different interpretation and we met along the way ‘Matron and Old Sally’ (Angela Hare and Viv Winterschladen) both of their years of acting gave character and depth to their roles; Youngsters ‘Noah Claypole and Charlotte Sowerberry’ (Michael Reeve and Adelle Almond) similarly played their roles well and gave the parts a three dimensional quality. ‘Mr and Mrs Sowerberry’ (Alan Pickthall and Katherine Reeve) provided the dry humour to both their song ‘That’s your Funeral’ as well as their libretto which was delivered faultlessly.

In the Brownlow home, Mrs Bedwin (housekeeper) played by the always reliable Sally Emmerson with great empathy; Dr Grimwig (Terry Bytheway) gave a suitably pompous interpretation of the doctor coming to examine Oliver; Simon Dale as ‘Mr Brownlow’ was perfectly cast as the upper-class gentleman and ultimately grandfather of Oliver. Simon’s demeanour was maintained throughout and was very imposing without being overbearing.

‘Mr Bumble and Widow Corney’ (Scott Robinson and Anita Smith) were impressive; Scott providing the straight no nonsense approach to the role with fine voice. Anita acted in a flamboyant manner as befits the role and the change in demeanour in the second act was superb. Sadly, after months of rehearsing Anita succumbed to the dreaded bug going around (which I myself had earlier in the week) and had completely lost her voice both singing and speaking) – Director Alison Dale had to sing and speak her role from the orchestra pit with Anita expertly lip synching the whole performance – well done Anita and Alison

Hannah Smith as ‘Nancy’ alongside Jayne Holley as her friend ‘Bet’ powered through their songs together and worked well together. Hannah gave the correct blend of power and vulnerability on her iconic song ‘As long as he needs me’. The ‘he’ in the song is her partner and thoroughly frightening and intimidating Tony Redshaw in the role of ‘Bill Sikes’ - such was the fear onstage during Bill’s song ‘My name’ even his dog ‘Bullseye’ (actually a bull Mastiff named Riley) looked to cower (method acting – you deserve another dog biscuit…)

The iconic ‘Fagin’ was played by Alan Geddes suitably miserly, with a touch of comedic background – loved his facial expressions in ‘Reviewing the Situation’. He handled the undoubted stars of the show, the children, with style. ‘Charley’ Rumer Holley; ‘Dodger’ (Isaac Short); and ‘Oliver’ (George Walker) were played in other performances by Sadie Russell, Patrick Cook-Smith and Alfie Russell respectively.

Isaac (as Dodger) was confident and assertive and was a pleasure to see him in the role. The titular character played by George (as Oliver) had the audience in the palm of his hand as he came across with the right blend of doggedness but extreme vulnerability with fine vocals and superb acting and diction.

It’s impossible to mention everyone involved in a production but everyone involved the onstage side of things such as the wonderful vocals from the sellers in ‘Who will buy’ contributed to a great production – Stage crew performed well and kept the action moving seamlessly; graphics instead of scenery were a great asset. Music under the direction of Jason Mitchell was good and choreography by Nic Jekins second to none - especially in the wonderfully conceived 'Consider Yourself' number.

Being the last performance after the bows the alternative set of children, team ‘jelly’, entered the stage in front of their ‘custard’ equivalents.

Well done all – I look forward to seeing your next one…

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