OLIVER

There is nothing to compare with the musical Oliver, the famous adaptation of Charles Dickens book. It offers the cast of any society a wealth of interesting characters, parts for youngsters which could give them inspiration to pursue this  rewarding hobby or a stage career for life.
Monmouth brought a stunning production to the stage, the opening scene entry of the workhouse boys singing movingly quietly and then building to a final crescendo was inspirational from MD Ian Russell. Josh Morgan as Oliver gave a charismatic performance full of energy and emotion. Excellent direction by Andrew Griffiths made every character come alive without ever becoming a caricature
Giving an outstanding performance of Mr Bumble, Andrew Griffiths lived the role and was in fine voice, a perfect pairing with Andrea Pole as Widow Corney. His Boy For Sale a powerful piece indeed! The Sowerberry’s Tony Hardy and Liz Mundy  an acting triumph with wonderful mannerisms.
The Fagin Factor has to be there to follow in the footsteps of the great Ron Moody of film fame and we all wait for him to appear. Well I can say that Reuben Jones was that man again, with his lightness of movement, humour, strong characterisation and great  rapport.
A feisty Rachel Stephens singing beautifully as Nancy, bringing honest realism to the role with Nick Thompson giving nasty piece of work Bill Sykes his all, the cameo roles were well played and the precision ensemble created the Victorian ambience so perfectly on every appearance.

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