Oliver

Oliver… the musical, stage/presented by BOS Musical Theatre Company at Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport on Thursday 3rd October 2024

Lionel Bart’s, musical Oliver, brings Charles Dickens beloved novel ‘Oliver Twist’ to stage!  With spirted timeless songs like “As Long as he Needs Me”, “Food Glorious Food”, “Where is Love”, “Reviewing the Situation” and many more, we are taken on this wild adventure through the streets and back alleys of Victorian England where a young, orphaned Oliver Twist is seen to navigate his way through London’s underworld of theft and violence, searching for a home, a family, and - most importantly - for love. Oliver then meets a street boy named the Artful Dodger, who welcomes him and introduces him to a gang of child pickpockets led by the conniving, but charismatic, Fagin. Oliver is then caught and falsely accused of a theft, which he didn’t commit, but is rescued by a kind and wealthy gentleman Mr Brownlow, much to the dismay of Fagin’s violent sidekick, Bill Sikes. Caught in the middle of all this, is the warm-hearted Nancy, who is trapped, but in love with Sikes and who is also desperate to help Oliver, which ends with tragic results. 

Production Team… given the task of guiding us through the streets and back alleys of London were Nick Lloyd (Director), Thomas Corcoran (Musical Director), James Shaw (Choreographer) and Andrew Standeven (Orchestra Direction). It was very obvious from the energy driven ‘opening’ to the ‘finale bows’ that these four had worked tirelessly together to get the best from this diverse cast, made up of many experienced actors working alongside so many talented and eager youngsters. The musical direction was excellent, as was the musical accompaniment, never overpowering always supporting, affording us the opportunity to hear every lyric from these timeless classics. The enjoyment was enhanced by some effective choreography styled to suit the varying abilities of all cast members, whilst utilising every inch of stage space and on occasions, even further afield within the audience… congrats to Thomas, Andrew and James. I bumped into Nick during the interval… he looked ever so pleased with Act 1 and from the applause that greeted the interval and the final bows, so did everyone else present that evening… good job guys, be ever so proud!  

The Cast…  we had a cast of thirty-nine plus the fearless ‘William’ (An English Bull Terrier) who took on the role ‘Bullseye’… looked amazingly authentic!  As most will know, this is where I ‘stick the old neck out’ and suggest MY ‘Showstealer’ and MY favourite characters …with the emphasise on the word ‘MY’ …. because you’ll have your own, but these are mine! I don’t have a ‘Showstealer’ as such, but I would like to give ‘shout outs’ to three characters who ‘stood out’ for me and I’ll come to those later!  So, the cast as shown in the programme … James Snape took the lead role ‘Oliver’ and did a great job, as did Alfie Christian playing ‘Dodger’. Evie Twist took on the role of ‘Nancy’, Oliver Ridgway played ‘Bill Sikes’, Kev Ruane played ‘Mr Bumble’. ‘Fagin’ was played by Carl Sedman. ‘Widow Corney’ played by Joanne Dorrity with Hannah Arnold taking on the role of ‘Bet’. Our Undertakers, ‘Mr, Mrs and Charlotte Sowerberry’ were played by Dom Johnson, Aynsley Littler and Amelia Casserley respectively. Michael Stopyra played ‘Noah Claypole’,  John Allen took on the role of ‘Mr Brownlow’ and played it well. Laura Abrams played ‘Mrs Bedwin’ (loved Laura’s rendition of ‘Where is Love’ - heartfelt!)  Tom Hallsworth played ‘Dr Grimwig’. Cathryn Blane played ‘Old Sally’ and Andrew Dunnett-Edge played ‘Charlie Bates’.  Adult Ensemble included Kayleigh Ryan, Sarah Clayton, Daniel Rodgers, Abbie Strefford, Sam Thomas, Katie Allen, Emma Blane and Charlotte Littler. Child Ensemble - Nathaniel Grillis, Abbie Davies, Amelie O’Connor, Grace Myers, Tilly Dorrity, Bella Cumia, Lucas Creed, Daisy Wilson, Grace Watson, Lucy Scott, Autumn Wright, Paige Fox-Johnson, Summer Molyneux and Sophia Walker... and what a great job both the ‘adult’ and ‘kids’ ensemble did, supporting the principals and the production… be very proud you guys!  “Shout Outs” ... standout performances came from Carl Sedman, who provided us with a great ‘Fagin’… charming, yet manipulative, greedy yet caring. When I think of ‘Fagin’ I always see Ron Moody do his thing in the film, so to make it yours, you really do need to put YOUR mark on it and Carl did just that!  Fagin is the patriarch to this band of street urchins, a father-like figure and Carl gave us just that, loved the mannerisms and his antics; he worked ever so well with all the young cast members as well as with Sikes, Nancy and co…  loved ‘Reviewing the Situation’ be proud Carl!  Evie Twist never fails to impress and was a perfect fit for the role of ‘Nancy’!  Again, not the easiest of role to portray… the role requires you to show the difference between a young prostitute and the kind hearted, loving individual that Nancy is, Evie did this with ease!  Confident, assured, loved the accent, her diction was clear, her stage presence amazing and her singing voice, well … her rendition of ‘As Long as he Needs Me’ was awesome… be ever so proud Evie!  My final choice is Oliver Ridgway's interpretation of the evil, brutish villain that is ‘Bill Sikes’. From his first entrance, when he just slowly crossed the stage with ‘Bullseye’, never uttering a word, just throwing this glance toward the audience … to his rendition of ‘My Name’ ... which, for me, is the things that ‘nails’ this character and which not only needs to be sung right but needs acted well as well … Oliver really did show us that ‘evil/merciless’ person emanating from within … so glad I was sat on ‘P Row’!”   Be ever so proud Oliver!  Before moving on, can I make a special mention of the song ‘Who Will Buy’ and the four vendors … ‘Flower Seller’, ‘Strawberry Seller’, ‘Milk Maid’ and ‘Knife Sharpener’ played by Bella Cumia, Charlotte Littler, Sam Thomas and Daniel Rogers respectively… thought this song was wonderfully balanced with each character singing their individual part amazingly well ... the harmonies were sublime… well done folks!    

Stage/Set/Tech … an ‘open stage’, a ‘huge set’ greeted us, a set that filled the stage floor depicting the ‘workhouse’ with the “God is Good” sign emblazoned above. Set on two levels, the upper level accessed from two sets of steps situated (stage left and right). On-stage ... two sets of tables and benches, set stage left and right... utilised for the opening scene and ‘Food Glorious Food’. ‘Fagan’s Den’ was fabulous creating this wonderful space for a number of scenes to be played. Joni Franieczek (Stage Manager) was in charge of all things back stage assisted by a dedicated Back-Stage Crew. Infinity Technical Services provided the Stage Management/Lighting/Sound Design along with David Murray... Proscenium, Rochdale, providing the set. If I may, I’d like to offer a couple of small pieces of ‘constructive advice’ during this review and I hope this doesn’t offend anyone as that was never my intention!  The first piece appears here … as previously stated, this is a show littered with iconic numbers, none more so than ‘As Long as he Needs Me’.  The song was basically sung during a scene change which was really distracting and wrong. I’m sure the ‘crew’ had been instructed to do this, by whom, I’m not sure, (and I’m not looking to point fingers), but the crew could be seen ‘dashing’ on and off-stage removing tables and chairs directly below where Evie was singing ... it really was distracting; I would rather have sat through a blackout than what occurred … something to consider for the future!

The Orchestra… as previously stated supported the cast ever so well included Niamh Boland, Sarah Dutch, Sue Goffee and Michael Grant (Woodwind); Emme Lenehan, Cliff Ray and JP Warder (Brass); Corey Gerrard and David Wall (Keyboards); Adam Dutch (Bass) and Sam Jones (Percussion)… led by on the night Andrew Standeven (Orchestra Director) with Thomas Corcoran (Musical Director) … great accompaniment, great sound… enhanced throughout!

Costumes… one word, fabulous!   Provided by Charades Costumes, St Helens. But, and my second slice of ‘constructive advice’.  Although this involves our ‘young actors’ it had nothing to do with them or their abilities!  Sorry, if this sounds a little ‘picky’, but I did think ‘Fagan’s Gang’ looked a little to ‘pristine/posh’!  Their costumes, their make-up was a little too ‘nice’ for me! I know Gareth and Betty wouldn’t appreciate costumes being returned covered in dirt, but a little creased and un-kempt would have helped!  Their ‘make-up’ needed to depict ‘dirty/grubby’… ‘kids’ sleeping on floors and living the way they were, their faces would not be clean!  Again, this isn’t a blame game, just ‘constructive advice’ for the future!

Props were also fabulous and used well, under the watchful eye of Karen Brown and Anita Hutson.

Chaperones… those who love and support amateur theatre can only be encouraged when we see talented young performers on stage. For this to happen, people must give of their time, not only to teach the skills required for them to be on stage, but to also ensure that whilst they are there, they feel safe and secure! So, on behalf of everyone, can I take this opportunity to say a big thanks to Gill Corcoran (Child Protection Officer) and her team of dedicated Licenced Chaperones …  without YOU, these young people would not have had this opportunity. Congrats to you all and thank you so much for your dedication.

Thanks for a wonderful evening, Susan and I loved the production and already looking forward to ‘Ghost’.

Stay Safe, Keep well
“Stronger Together”
Jim Briscoe …
NODA NW - District 6 Rep
 

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