Oliver!

Newcomers to this society will I am sure join with the regulars in congratulating them on an excellent theatrical venture into the world of “Oliver”. Bart’s vision of Dicken’s story is full of wonderful songs, finely drawn characters and echoes of the dark side of Victorian London. The workhouse boys, extolling the virtues of fancy food, doubling as Fagin’s gang, showing us how to pick pockets, gave exciting and interesting performances. The portentous Mr Bumble (Jimmy Lynch) soon to fall into the clutches of Widow Corney (Emily Dadson) and the Sowerberry’s, (Simon Smith and Sue Knight), black as the clothes they wear in their life’s work, were all performed well. Oliver (David Nairne)) showed us he has a strong clear voice and the angelic countenance to capture the sympathy of the audience. He meets with Dodger (Daniel Steven Walford) a loveable rogue whose message of “Consider Yourself” was well done and opened the way for our first glimpse into Fagin’s den of thieves. Tim Kimber as Fagin was a tour de force, leading his lads into a life of crime but always giving the impression that underneath that money grabbing exterior lay a soft heart; A lovely performance. The thieves kitchen scene offered us four of the finest songs in the show and introduced us to Nancy beautifully played and sung by Louise Bennett. Her rendition of “As long as he needs me” was powerful and poignant. The scene culminates with “Be Back Soon” a sentiment wholly endorsed by the large audience as the interval followed. Act 2 opens with the tavern scene where the chorus made full use of the opportunity to establish their own character when joining Nancy in “Oom-Pah-Pah”. It was here that we were introduced to the villain of the piece, Bill Sykes, very menacingly played by Ben Michael. Mr Brownlow (Roger Butterworth) with the other members of the cast all gave convincing performances in their various roles. I have always liked “Who will buy” and was not disappointed with either the singing or the staging. Let us not forget the work of the backstage teams, seldom seen, and the orchestra, so important to the overall success of the production. Finally what can one say about the Director/Choreographer.  Another triumph in a very long list of triumphs. 

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