Oliver

I know this show very well, having being involved with it in many capacities over the past years, both on and off stage and I was looking forward to this production by St Annes Parish Operatic Society to see what they would make of this evergreen show. The evening was very warm and I wondered if this would affect those on stage and also the audience. I need not have worried as the time flew by as this very talented company gave us an evening to remember. The energy and enthusiasm of the performers was apparent from the opening number and we were left, literally, breathless as the night progressed. Director, Alison Thornton and Helen Harrison, Musical Director ensured the pace never faltered, Alison inserting some lovely touches a little different to many other productions of this show. She has ensured that the very talented cast understood all the little quirks of the various characters. There were some very interesting lighting and set changes all of which contributed to a very successful and enjoyable evening. Helen Harrison, marshalled her very talented musicians to great effect and they were the perfect complement to those on stage. Elaine Morrison, Choreographer, ensured her dancers and members of the ensemble created a wonderful atmosphere despite the lack of space in which to work. The scenery was simple but very effective and proved once again that a huge and often expensive set, is not necessarily required. Lyn  Millar, Make Up, has again done splendid work on the Fagin and Bill Sykes characters. All on stage contributed to an overwhelming success and I am reluctant to mention anyone in particular. However, I feel I should mention the younger members headed by a delightful Oliver (Adam Palmer) and The Artful Dodger, (Archie Follett) who set the standard for the rest of the company. Fagin (Phil Hemming), Nancy, (Jenny Daniels) and the villainous Bill Sykes, ( Phil Swift) would have graced any professional production and Mr Bumble (Rob Harrison), Widow Corney, (Sue McQuiggan), Mr and Mrs Sowerberry, (Andrew Would) and (Mandy Hall) were all splendid characterizations. My wife and I and our guest thoroughly enjoyed our visit and thank you so much for making us so welcome.

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