Oliver!

This well known classic British musical written by Lionel Bart is based on the novel by Charles Dickens and tells the story of a plucky street urchin, Oliver Twist, in his plight around Victorian London. In the opening scene we met the bare-footed orphans who gave voice to ‘Food Glorious Food’ with great gusto, moving on and off tables and benches with total confidence. As Fagin’s Gang they were terrific, their singing, dancing and acting skills were outstanding - totally likeable, lovable rogues, each and everyone. Oliver, on the night I went, was played by nine year old Daniel McGovern with Max Henshaw appearing at alternate performances. Daniel was charming, innocent and very endearing as Oliver his lovely, sweet voice displayed to perfection in ‘Where Is Love?’and Liam Aston was self assured, cheeky, charming and convincing as the Artful Dodger. I loved Robert Spencer’s interpretation of Fagin. He portrayed the somewhat ‘fatherly’ villain most effectively and his splendid singing and execution of “Reviewing the Situation” was sublime. Sarah Morell gave a standout performance as Nancy. Her compelling delivery combined with an amazing singing voice was highlighted to perfection in the songs “As Long as He Needs Me’ and “Oom Pah Pah”. Heath Parkin was forceful and intimidating with just the right amount of menace and violence to be totally believable as the surly violent scoundrel Bill Sykes, evenmore so when accompanied by ‘Paddy’ the dog, as Bullseye. Mr. Bumble was powerfully played by Karl Brennan and he and Dawn Melloy, as Widow Corney, were a splendid double act. Both have great stage presence and their saucy, flirtacious antics, particularly in “I Shall Scream”, were hilarious. Good support came from Glyn Daniels as Mr. Sowerberry (loved his walk) and his domineering wife played by Julie Metcalfe. The scene in the Undertaker’s was ‘undertaken’ with perfect precision. The scenery was effectively used aided by good lighting, props were good in parts (Mr. Brownlow’s room, I felt, in particular showed little sign of his wealth) and sadly there were a few technical hitches. A terrific orchestra (loved the violin solo in “Reviewing”), fabulous costumes, lovely imaginative choreography, superb principals, a good supporting cast and chorus members certainly made me want to ask - ‘Please, can I have some more?’! Congratulations to the Production Team and all involved in this wonderful show.

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