Oliver

The stage in the Somerset Hall is a good size for a play, but quite small for a musical…in terms of scenery both on stage and for storage and ‘Oliver’ demands a large cast. An interesting decision had been made by the director to use back projection of visuals onto a screen in front of a black backcloth to depict the varying locations throughout the show. This demonstrated the director’s vision for the show and gave a contemporary feel to the production. The images were always in keeping with the location and were an interesting and attractive addition to each scene.

Entering from the audience, the workhouse children were well drilled and disciplined and sang 'Food Glorious Food' well. 'I Shall Scream' was amusingly performed by Widow Corney and the Beadle, but as the Beadle moved from the scene for 'Boy for Sale', the periactoids and fireplace remained in front of the tabs. This scene was supposedly a street scene with characters crossing wearing outdoor costume, having this scenery on stage made the setting incongruous. 

 As we moved into the Funeral Parlour there were very good performances of 'That’s Your Funeral' from the Sowerberry family and a touching rendition of 'Where is Love' from Oliver When Oliver found himself on the street, he met with one of the ‘stars’ of the evening for the first time, ‘The Artful Dodger’. 'Consider Yourself' was well performed, sung and moved, but I did miss a big dance routine, although the acrobatic dancing within the song, from the Harlequin (don’t remember him or the tapping Pearly character in the script) was very good. I suppose if you have a talent within your cast, why not exploit it.

In Fagin’s den we met the second ‘star’ of the evening…’Fagin’, 'Pick a Pocket' was very well performed by Fagin and the gang and the gangs business with Fagin had been rehearsed to perfection and the routines worked well. Fagin looked every inch ‘Ron Moody’.  His demeanor, make up and wig was ‘pure Fagin’ and 'Fine Life' introduced us to Bet and Nancy and the gang was complete. 'Be Back Soon' was a delight. Speedily the action took us into the street where we saw members of the gang thieving … everything happened so fast, before we could blink Oliver had been arrested and introduced to Mr Brownlow.

There was an excellent opening to Act 2, with cast positioned well for 'Oom-Pah-Pah'. The red themed costumes looked good on everyone and added a stylish element to the scene. The company singing was good and enthusiastic;   Nancy made a very good attempt at the song. Bill Sykes entrance was very good, a man of small stature but as nasty and as big a villain as ever existed. 

Was there a problem getting a dog ‘Bullseye’?  Or was a decision made not to have a dog? This was a disappointment as in many ways ‘Bullseye’ the dog is as iconic as Bill Sykes himself.  Although he had no dog to help look thuggish, 'My Name' was performed very well. Nancy sang and acted well in 'As Long As He Needs Me'.

Poor Mrs Bedwyn, to have been rehearsing for months and then to be struck with a bad throat is just bad luck, well done to you for your continuing in the role. The scene with Mr Brownlow, Oliver and the Doctor was tight and amusing, very entertaining.

The final scenes drew us very speedily to the climax of the show. There was a lack of tension, atmosphere and emotion in the final London Bridge scene. Many characters were seemingly aimless wandering around. Did Bet and Nancy get stabbed? Did they roll of the bridge into the water, why then were cast standing in the water? What happened to Bill Sykes? Fagin gave a lovely exit with 'Reviewing the Situation' reprise and the ‘ah factor’ using the smallest child, Nipper, was a lovely touch… (I would have done that myself!)

The settings and props were effective, authentic looking and well used. The sound was efficient and the use of microphones worked well, I could hear every word. The costumes were very effective, good colours, authentic styles and worn well by the cast. Footwear was a real mixture, realistically aged, modern shoes and boots, but also modern shoes and boots that looked modern! When in doubt character shoes or jazz shoes work well. The band created a rousing sound but there was little light and shade in the interpretation of the music. Occasionally I felt we were listening to the background to a silent movie… it went at such a pace. The company was well drilled and sang tunefully with gusto and it was interesting to watch the cast making very controlled, good musical entrances and exits with no conductor.

The choreography was well devised and entertaining. The director Kim Cheasley presented very good production and should feel proud of her achievement.  I am sure she put in an immense amount of hard work coaxing and cajoling the many children in the show to the high standard of music, character building and discipline achieved.  Moving a large cast around in a small space takes skill and there were good pictures and groupings. Kim’s should be congratulated on her direction of her first musical. The audience was enraptured by the show, although I suspect the standing ovation was from friends of the cast who were very enthusiastic in their appreciation.

Principal Characters…

Oliver Twist was well performed by Elliot Whitmore; it must have been as disappointing for him, as it was for the audience to realise he was suffering from a cold and cough. But his winsome character shone through.

Mr Bumble and Widow Corney made a perfect pairing. In the Funeral Parlour the  Sowerberry Family were very acceptable… all very good indeed. This whole episode was very entertaining with fine actors.

The Artful Dodger performed by Isaac Lewis was a ‘tour de force’ from such a young man.  From his first entrance until he was dragged of in the final scene saying he wanted to see his lawyer, he was ‘Dodger’. Able to sing, dance and act superbly, all with an enviable stage presence, this young man has a rare talent and is a boy to be watched and encouraged.

Fagin played by Dylan Cheasley was a joy to behold. His perfect makeup and demeanor complimented his fine singing and acting. If anything he held back and underplayed this well known character. He stole most of the scenes he was in but kept his portrayal in tune with the rest of the cast. Bet played by Hebe Knight, gave a nicely controlled performance, with a winning smile she conveyed a warmth and friendship to Oliver and she could sing, act and move well.

Nancy played by Suzanne Brown looked just right. Part hussy, part young girl, cocksure but also afraid she made a very good attempt at this complex role.

All other cameo roles were most acceptable indeed, played by experienced performers’ they were each very well cast. This musical production was a resounding success. The audience was  very happy and went home delighted with the show, the seats were sold out, the cast appeared to be enjoying themselves… what more can you ask of a drama club who has proved they can stand proud with any musical society.

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