Oliver

Encore Theatre Company's rendition of "Oliver!" was a charming experience, combining stellar performances, evocative set design, and vibrant musical numbers to bring Charles Dickens' classic tale to life.

In an unusual but refreshing casting choice, Liberty Slater played the title role of Oliver. Slater maintained character throughout the performance, delivering her lines with conviction and singing each song in tune. Her portrayal of Oliver was believable and heartfelt, though the performance could have benefited from a bit more light and shade in emotions to fully capture the character's journey.

Terry Ford delivered a commanding performance as Mr. Bumble, showcasing his rich and resonant voice. His portrayal was authoritative yet nuanced, capturing the complexities of the character. Cathrine Pidd as Widow Corney, brought a blend of humor and sharpness to the role. Her interactions with Ford were both engaging and entertaining, contributing significantly to the overall charm of the production. Their duet "I Shall Scream" was particularly pleasing, displaying a delightful chemistry between the two performers. Their playful banter and strong vocal performances made this number a standout moment in the show.

Toby Hall and Eleanor Aldous exhibited excellent rapport and comedic timing as Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry. Their performance of "That's Your Funeral" was a comedic highlight, filled with sharp wit and humour. Aldous, in particular, enhanced her character with expressive facial expressions that added depth and amusement to the role.

The pace and energy of the show increased dramatically when Bobby Cook entered as The Artful Dodger. Having seen him perform before, it's clear he has grown significantly as a performer. Cook maintained a consistent accent and characterized the cheeky pickpocket brilliantly. His dynamic performance and natural charisma made him a standout, marking him as a performer to watch for the future.

Sarah Clarkson's portrayal of Nancy was a perfect blend of tenderness, love, fragility, and defiance. She delivered a traditional version of Nancy, which was exactly right for the production. Clarkson's voice was a joy to listen to, and she brought depth and emotion to her character, making her performance both memorable and moving.

Jordan Whipp brought the menacing and nasty side of Bill Sikes to life in his performance. His portrayal was convincingly intimidating, capturing the character's darker aspects. However, for me, his performance had a tendency to be too shouty. The song "My Name" could have benefited from a more gradual build-up of anger to create a more dynamic and impactful performance.

Michael Tattersall was brilliant as Fagin, delivering a standout performance. His great accent and use of body language helped develop the character's sly and conniving nature. The song "Reviewing The Situation" was the highlight of the show, with Tattersall's expressive performance and vocal delivery making it a memorable moment that captivated the audience.

While it's not possible to mention all the performers by name, each one showed exceptional commitment and enthusiasm in their respective roles, contributing to the overall success of the production. A special mention must go to Brandon and Kian Proctor, who were captivating every time they danced. The lines they created in their routines were amazing, particularly in the tap numbers, adding an extra layer of excitement and professionalism to the choreography.

The set design was innovative with a fixed stage that incorporated detailed illustrated backdrops and a wooden bridge. The lighting design complemented the set, enhancing the mood and atmosphere of each scene, from the dimly lit, foreboding workhouse to the lively and bustling streets.

Overall, the costumes were period-appropriate which adding authenticity to the characters and the setting and helped to immerse the audience in the world of Oliver Twist. It would have been nice to see Fagin’s Gang a little dirtier though as they did appear too clean on the night I attended.

It was a shame that there were some sound issues with popping mics and mics left on backstage. These technical problems occasionally detracted from the overall great production, interrupting the flow and immersion of the performance. Despite these challenges, the cast and crew maintained their professionalism and continued to deliver strong performances.

Credit goes to the production team for their outstanding work in bringing this show to life: The direction by Andy Lunn was tight and focused, ensuring that the story flowed seamlessly from one scene to the next. The musical direction from Joel Griffin was superb, with the cast delivering energetic and harmonious performances and the choreography from Bev Maher made full use of the stage and brought a sense of movement and excitement to the musical numbers.

To conclude, this performance of "Oliver!" was a testament to the talent and dedication of the cast and crew, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.