Oliver

After seeing 3 Olivers! in the last year I thought I was “oliverd” out. So when Anne asked me to cover Cranbrook armature drama society's production, I was a little skeptical of another Oliver!. But I'm glad I accepted the invitation, it was a very nice entertaining evening.  I'm not going to bore you with a synopsis of the story of Oliver! We all know this and the wonderful score of Lionel Bart's.

Heading this cast was little 9 year old Henry Fillmore his little voice and acting ability was  adequate for this big role, I am sure Samuel Pope matches this on the alternating nights as with Keir Roberts and Will Vener, playing the artful dodgers on alternating nights. Good luck to them.

Cranbrook’s venue for this Oliver! has a nice fare size stage, that housed a fabulous set designed by Derek Moore It looked very atmospheric with mood lighting that was executed professionally  by David Beeken. Costumed well by Rita Wilkins and Marilyn Coleman.

This large cast of about 50 players were directed by Pat Smith and they did her proud, at times with this great set this Oliver! made my visit worthwhile. Uncomplicated and easy on the eye the performance seemed to flow easily.

Michael Jarrett's superb 13 piece orchestra, along with his musical direction of this cast paid off. Perfect just perfect.Jez Druce (Bumble)and Annie Chesters (Widow Corney)gave us great comedy timing, Robin Harrison as Fagin could have been more miserly and Jewish but looked good and sang well. Mathew Barker looked really funereal as Mr. Sowerbury. Nancy (Rachel Croft Golding) and Bill Sykes (James Hammond) gave dramatically strong performances especially Nancy’s ‘As long as he needs me”. All other supporting roles in this Oliver! were all acted to the best of their ability. If I am being a little picky I found some chorus scenes a little static. Other scenes with choreography by Victoria King came to life with good movement and dance.

Pat this production was a joy to watch and in parts very slick. Your cast of young and older members made my visit very enjoyable. 

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