Oliver!

Masqueraders Theatrical Society performed Lionel Bart's Oliver! The story follows the orphan Oliver from the orphanage and his adventures through London.

The principle cast is large, the smaller roles towards the start of the performance of Mr. Bumble (Richard Yates) and Widow Corney (Annette Rigby), Mr and Mrs Sowerberry (Chad Fletcher, Kim Liggins) ,Charlotte (Alana Yates) and Noah Claypole (Ashley Blackstock) were well played roles and delivered the iconic songs “Boy For Sale” and “That's Your Funeral” with some lovely characteristics.

Alex Lewis as Fagin puts his own stamp on this well known role and he was most effective in the role in both characterisation, diction and singing. Fern O’Brien as Nancy gave an excellent performance and an emotional rendition of “As Long As He Needs Me”.  

Andy Ward was effective as the cruel Bill Sykes, and delivered a good characterisation.

Oscar McEntee as Dodger gave some good charisma and showed his compassionate side to the role and was a good contrast to Oliver who was played by Sebastian McEntee who portrayed the character with the innocence and naivety it required.

Rounding out the cast in smaller roles were Dr. Grimwig (Ashley Blackstock), Mr Brownlow (Colin Udall) and Mrs Bedwin (Chloe Allen) who were all effective and good support to large principle roles and showed some lovely characterisations. 

The chorus completed the cast with some small cameo roles, and performed a lovely version of “Who Will Buy” which was very well staged.

Overall, some lovely choreography and musical numbers although the music was a little loud at some points, an excellent set and stage were well done.

A good atmosphere when you entered the auditorium with a large amount of atmospheric London fog, with some effective lighting and use of screens added to a lovely night's entertainment.

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