Oliver!

After a gap of two years, LAMS returned to the stage with some new faces and the recruitment of around 20 enthusiastic young people for this bright production of Oliver.  Jonathan Smith (9) sang and acted extremely well in the title role as the innocent orphan boy Oliver born in the workhouse and Abe Galloway (12) presented a cheeky portrayal of the Artful Dodger.  As the heartless caretakers of the Workhouse, Francis Thorpe (Mr Bumble) and Norah Taylor (Widow Corney) provided an excellent partnership as did David Miller and Joan Philipsz (Mr and Mrs Sowerby) as the insensitive undertakers who entertained us well in the undertaker’s parlour with their assistant (Noah Claypole) Graeme McDonald and (Charlotte) Melissa Reilly.  As the conniving career criminal Fagin, teaching his gang to pick pockets, Jonathan Procter characterised this part brilliantly.  Vikki Downie delivered a great performance as Nancy and was ably supported by Katherine Lebida as Bet.  Grant Scott-Johnston provided a suitably sinister Bill Sykes, Nancy’s abusive lover.  All remaining principles and the chorus added to the enjoyment of the show and as usual, the enthusiasm from the children won the hearts of the audience.  In his first time in the role of Director, David Dickman should be congratulated on his achievement, together with the other members of the production team David Fisher, Jane Smith and Jane Masters.

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