Oliver!

Lionel Bart’s much-loved musical “Oliver!” gives the opportunity for lots of youngsters to augment an adult society thus bringing lots of work for all concerned. And so it was as this company successfully performed this Bart musical. From the show’s opening number, the youngsters’ chorus was at their best throughout the entire production and didn’t put a foot wrong. As the two main youngsters - Mark Curran made a delightful and poignant Oliver with his main solo number receiving a tremendous ovation; and Bradley Vannet was a cocky and swaggering Artful Dodger. Leading the adult section was the very experienced Ewan McDyer as the sly, conniving Fagin and, breaking away from his usual knockabout panto comedy, was Alastair Ogilvie performing as an evil, gruff, surly, Bill Sykes. Chris Wylie relished in the Mr Bumble role and, playing opposite him, was Lynn MacFarlane turning in a superb performance as Widow Corney – their “flirtation” scene was extremely comical. The horrible funereal Sowerberrys were in the safe hands of Ewan Campbell and Elaine Thomson. And Marlowe Simpson gave a storming performance as Nancy with her great stage personality shining throughout her entire performance. This Dickensian musical truly came to life on the stage in its settings and costumes – and, also impressive, was Raymond Wood’s excellent and creative stage make-up which truly enhanced the many well-loved Dickensian characters to bring them vividly to life. This was a superb performance, so what more could I ask for!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.