Oliver!

‘OLIVER’ may seem a strange choice for Castaways to perform where boys are not plentiful! But this proved to be no obstacle for this enthusiastic company. Primarily this production displayed the ensembles ability and strength to support the principal characters and deliver the show stopping musical numbers and routines which gave everyone a chance to display their dancing ability and experience their moment in the spotlight!

Ashley Mac Lauchlans’s portrayal of Oliver was feisty and vulnerable in equal measure, especially when he sang ‘Where is Love’.

Bumble (Ryan Farrand) and Widow Corney’s (Lois Froude) delivery of ‘I Shall Scream’ had the audience in stitches.

Vini Lloyd (Artful Dodger) attacked his role with gusto; leaving us in no doubt the Artful Dodger was Fagin’s favourite!

The role of Fagin is a difficult one and can challenge even the most seasoned performers; Jack Osmond took the role and made it his own.

Louise Cannon playing Nancy delivered a powerful performance and when she sang ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ there was not a dry eye in the house!

James Bacon’s portrayal of Bill was truly horrible!  Giving his character an unnerving sinister demeanour.

Musicality and singing was strong with good diction. Oliver is a dark piece! And the main of the company were under 16, these are not nice people to portray so perhaps a little more work on the script to find the light and shade might have given some of the characters portrayals a little more depth. Both Workhouse and Fagin’s Gang were very clean both in costume and makeup so there was little difference in them and the Quality! Set and props enhanced production.

Well done to all behind the scenes that kept this large cast and show moving.

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