Oliver!
Information
- Date
- 16th October 2012
- Society
- Good Companions Musical Theatre
- Venue
- Derby Theatre
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Phil Simcox
- Musical Director
- Morris Fisher
- Choreographer
- Pauline Reader
The opening short sequence of slides set the scene for what was to be a truly wonderfully staged production of ‘Oliver!’ The opening scene set in the workhouse introduced us to Oliver, his fellow orphans and Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, caretakers of the orphanage. Luca Panetta brought out both the innocent and yet determined sides of Oliver’s character and his beautiful, pure, sweet singing voice was delightful. The orphans were a lively bunch of children who sang, acted and danced their way through their many stage appearances with great enthusiasm and confidence. Robbie Simms has natural stage presence and was splendid as the Artful Dodger. I absolutely loved the tremendous double act of Dave Adey and Barbara Ashmore as Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, they were both equally strident and powerful and their duet ‘I Shall Scream’ was outstanding. Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry, the undertakers, were played to perfection by Oli Hand and Yvonne Taylor. Whenever I think of ‘Oliver’ my first thoughts are always of Fagin, Nancy and Bill Sykes as the real characters in the story and these are three very difficult roles to play. Chris Parkes, as Fagin, delivered a fine portrayal of this unsavoury, yet somewhat ‘fatherly’ man. His superb make-up totally transformed him into a man many years older that he himself is. His rendition of ‘Reviewing The Situation’ was magnificently constructed and executed. Sara Gration as Nancy, for me, gave the stand out performance of the show. Her impassioned portrayal combined with a stunning singing voice was just superb. I felt that Adam Woodyet’s characterisation of Bill Sykes was slightly lacking in intimidation although he did look and sound quite menacing even more so when accompanied by a ‘real live’ Bullseye. Wonderful sets and lighting effects, imaginative choreography, a terrific orchestra together with superb principals, a great supporting cast, chorus and dancers, all meant that ‘you couldn’t ask for anything more’!!
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