Oliver

Whenever I see a production of 'Oliver', it always makes me wonder what Charles Dickens would have made of it and all the other musicals written from his vast collection of stories - I think he would have been very pleased with the way his work is remembered - and how lucky we are to have such marvellous musicals to perform. Garforth chose this time to present the most popular of these and a sure-fire winner it has proved for them. On their very small stage, they managed to re-create the story of Oliver Twist very well. Directed by Joyce Robinson with Brenda Knowles as Musical Director and Lynne Hill as Choreographer, they made the most of their cast's talent - a very strong line-up of principals brought the story to life, with help from a small adult chorus and plenty of young people as Workhouse children and Fagin's gang. As always this is a community group who work together both onstage and behind the scenes - the set, designed by Mark Dixon fitted perfectly on a restricted playing area and very effective. Costumes, make-up and props all added in making a pleasing production - the lighting although fairly basic, set the right mood and the sound balance first class, we heard every word. Brenda Knowles played magnificently on one single keyboard with the lovely Ben Stone on drums. I would like to make a special mention of William Cummings as Oliver and Amelia Jackson as the Artful Dodger - talent in the making here! It's lovely to see a full house with everyone enjoying themselves - and singing along with the cast in the finale!

Congratulations to everyone involed - I'm already looking forward to 'Cinderella' in December!

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