Oliver

How great it is to see the group back at the top of their standard after all the problems of the hall etc, this was an excellent show in all aspects, and Ben Francis should be congratulated for being the instigator.

Firstly the set which was mood evocative, very clever in construction and use with the permanent set plus inserts, good lighting plot, and a very well drilled crew and cast manipulating the changes in negligible space.

The strength of the casting was amazing and all from within the company, the talent just perfect in a strong line-up for the respective principal roles and a very strong chorus for all the big numbers, and not to forget the excellent and well rehearsed movement creating a very vibrant and lively production.

Of course the children are so important in this show: a large chorus of youngsters from FADLOS KIDZ showing their talent with great energy and projection. Ruben Pope had the wistful appeal and clear voice required for the title role, and a more robust character from Rhys Allison as the scheming Artful Dodger; they made a good duo.

Weaving his dictates and magical control of the ‘gang’, and trying to keep in with Bill and Nancy, Robin Hawkes gave a strong portrayal of Fagin with his dealings and kept well in character throughout. Of course Ben Francis was a perfect Bill Sykes with vocal range and stature perfect for such an unpleasant character. And in FADLOS, Paula Graver just has to be Nancy with that voice, style, personality, and acting and dancing skills, ideal casting and well supported by her Bet, Tilly Baron.

The ‘insert’ scenes were well performed with some excellent character roles created showing the full range of talent in the group: Mr Bumble (Grant Harrison, and how lovely to see him back on stage) was so ‘right’ in the role and played well opposite the comedy of Widow Corney from Lucy Ferris: such good scenes from these two, timing perfect and experience shows. The Sowerberry sequence from Rob Garrett and Jill Graver is always a scene to savour with its macabre comedy and timing and how we enjoyed it. And the contrast from the dark side of London in the light of the Brownlow/ Bedwin/ Grimwig sequences well played and characters realised by John Stocking, Linda and Richard Tree giving a feeling of hope.

The chorus were very strong in song and dance in their big numbers, the individual soloists added greatly to the harmonies, and how we felt that we wanted to join them on stage in their obvious enjoyment of this performance, this was a show of great energy and pace. And the pace and notes are due to Jo Kemp and her band of musicians, a joy to be able to compliment the ‘pit’ so fully for the well-loved music.

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