Oliver!

In presenting this Lionel Bart classic, the company portrayed this Dickensian musical with such great enthusiasm and energy. In the title role, Sam Gill provided a first class performance as the orphan Oliver Twist, as did Caleb Sneddon who portrayed a highly spirited Artful Dodger, the cleverest of Fagin's pickpockets. Alistair Thomas made a fine miserly Fagin, revelling in the comedy moments and also bringing out the pathos in the character whilst ‘Reviewing the Situation’. Similarly, Jeff Robinson portrayed the suitably sinister undertaker Mr Sowerberry, perfectly matched with Judith Hutchinson as Mrs Sowerberry, joined by David Mack as their ‘other’ apprentice Noah Claypole. Alex Kemp displayed great stage presence in his portrayal of Mr Bumble, the pompous official of the workhouse and was well paired with Gill Sullivan (Widow Corney). In his first musical with the company, Alex Cruikshank provided a fine menacing Bill Sykes, joined by Laura Archibald who skilfully captured the character of Nancy, balancing her love for Bill against her protection of Oliver. Laura was also stepping out for the first time with the company. All remaining principals together with the entire ensemble performed well through drama and song in the presentation of so many well-known toe tapping numbers which were all well choreographed. All children on stage should be commended for their performance throughout, they were all fantastic! Although the set was minimalistic, the creative graphic projections were really effective. This production was well received by the audience which I am sure all involved will be extremely proud of. Well done to one and all for an entertaining evening and my thanks for inviting me to your show.

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