Oliver!

Oliver!  is a well-loved family favourite that brings in great audiences, and this  production,  with a full house,  was no exception.

This was an enjoyable performance,   and  Lionel Bart, I am sure, would have been well satisfied with this scaled down version.  An enthusiastic company, mainly of  young performers, were led by Hugo Carter as an appealing Oliver, who had the audience sharing his every mood.  He was ably supported by Ryan Olakunle  as the Artful Dodger.   The Workhouse Children and Fagin`s  Gang, also  deserve great praise for their performances,  maintaining their discipline throughout and playing their parts with gusto.  Good portrayals from Barry Smith as Mr Bumble and Michelle Bradford as Widow Corney.  Toby Bradford convinced as Fagin,  and  Natalie Weetman and Matt Chell gave us a dramatic depiction of  the unfortunate Nancy and evil Bill Sykes.

Great credit must go to Barry Smith for creating a most effective set.    Although  small, the  orchestra made a good and effective sound,  backing,  not drowning out the company.

Nice to see the Players back doing musicals, thanks for an entertaining evening.

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