Oliver

This was an impressive staging of Lionel Bart`s Musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist. From the depressing workhouse opening scene the stage was soon illuminated by the great characters, cheeky faces and infectious enthusiasm of a well rehearses, lively bunch of youngsters who were going to give us entertainment as pleading “Food Glorious Food” orphans and trainee pick pocketing villains. The lad who “wanted more”, young Oliver perfectly sang and broke hearts with “Where is Love”, in an assured and confident performance by Gruffudd Evans. Rhian Owen proved less than cuddlesome as the orphanage Matron, the widow Corney, romantically pursued by a very devious Mr Bumble played by Dafydd Davies. Th ghoulish undertaker and his dominant wife Mr and Mrs Soweberry were nicely gothic performances by Oliver Goulstone and Claire Richards, with Bethany Potter Williams obnoxious as their daughter Charlotte, and Iwan Williams, an Asbo_worthy bully boy Noah Claypole.he funeral parlour was an area of macabre fun. Befriending the runaway Oliver , Oliver John was a winning Artful Dodger, a real “cockney sparrer” , light footed, light fingered and with bags of charm. A colourful nimble performance by the very experienced Daniel Williams as the loveable villain Fagin, delivered his many numbers with crisp clarity and a deft touch of humour. Georgie Tipping played the warmth and drama of the tragic Nancy with conviction and sensitivity and beautifully sang the hit number “As Long AS He Needs Me” to make a heart touching highlight. Abigail Morgan as Bet gave great support as her young friend. Adam Quill was heavy in menace and evil as the sinister Bill Sykes. Phil Thomas and Margaret Collins Thomas as the worthy Mr Brownlow and housekeeper Mrs Bedwin. Other minor roles were played with great enthusiasm and expertise and added to the overall production.

With a young enthusiastic company this was a bright cheerful, fast moving production with well choreographed production numbers by Joy Evans and, under the baton of Helen Wyn and a fine band the Lionel Bart score, with it`s lightness was as fresh as ever. Artistic Director Marc Scone is to congratulated on bringing this production to fruition. The wardrobe by, Footlights Costumers was a visual delight. The excellent staging was well used and silently and swiftly handled. A special mention for the imaginative and atmospheric lighting.

This production was a real treat and was fully deserving of all the acclaim it has received.

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