Oliver!

On entering, as the curtain was up it gave us a glance at the very atmospheric set that transported us back to the time of Dickens. It was then filled with the orphans carrying their bowls and singing about Food Glorious Food. Their movements were exceptionally well drilled for not only this number but for all the ensemble parts of the show, well done to the Choreographer Sarah Parkinson and Dance Captain Grace Fawcett.

One of the smallest among them was Oliver Twist (Joseph Chapman) a very appealing and confident young man with a lovely singing voice. I hope he continues to enjoy and participate in future productions.

Mr Bumble (Finlay Elkin) and Widow Corney (Leia Barton) worked together well and I particularly liked the I Shall Scream number. What a voice Leia has she can certainly sing and the comedy was perfectly played.

After being sold by Mr Bumble to a Funeral Directors, Mr Sowerberry (Carter Blakeley) and his bossy cruel wife (Emelia Helliwell) his life did not get any better but it gave another comedy performance along with Mr Bumble in That’s Your Funeral. Bullied by Noah (Andrew Naylor) and the Sowerberry’s daughter Charlotte (Freja Acton) he ran away. This is when he meets Dodger (Lily Rush), who brought energy and personality to the stage, and the Street Kids bringing another lovely ensemble number in Consider Yourself.

Joined by an exceptional performer Arron Holton playing Fagin he gave one of the best creations of the role I have seen especially for someone still young, he brought all aspects of the character to life perfectly.

Nancy (Eliza Love) had a large personality and her singing was very powerful and Bill Sikes (Benjamin Bingham-Ford) who had a menacing presence with a brutal delivery of lines, worked well together and the death scene was really well done by both of them.

Other characters were:

Nancy’s friend Bet (Aimee Hurst), Mr Brownlow (Thomas Naylor), Mrs Bedwin (Imogen Petty), Old Sally (Amelie Lord), Dipper(Phoebe Jones), Charley Bates (Daisy Harwood), Handkerchief (Heidi Smith), Captain (Max Moorhouse) and the Junior and Adult Ensembles all played a part in making a very good show. This included moving scenery and Props about during the show like a well oiled machine under the directions of Stage Manager Ben Garbett and Assistant SM Chloe Gravenor.

Lighting (Mark Jennens), Sound (Stephen Rickard)and Wardrobe (Jeanette Thompson) all added to the atmosphere of this special show.

Congratulations to Director Ashley Wade on a super 50th Anniversary Show and best wishes for the future.

Well done to all concerned.

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