Oliver Jnr

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Deborah and Trevor Marks who explained that there were 52 young people in the cast, all under 19 years of age

The set was fairly basic but absolutely appropriate with a good backdrop and with props moved on and off to denote different scenes. There was good use of lighting to illustrate various scenarios and sound was good.

All the actors acted and delivered their parts very well and, after a little hesitancy at the beginning, were generally confident and very well rehearsed and there were some good facial expressions. All those who needed to had good cockney accents. Well done everyone.

Act One opened with the workhouse scene with a strong rendition of Food, Glorious Food, introducing the characters of Mr Bumble, (Marley) Widow Corney, (Ella C) and of course Oliver Twist, played by Dexter, (aged10) and a lovely routine by the chorus of workhouse children.

There are too many well known and favourite songs in this musical to mention them all but they were sung with huge enthusiasm by the cast. A haunting and sensitive  performance of Where Is Love from Dexter was emotive. Ruby W was an excellent Artful Dodger and confidently led Fagin’s gang in Consider Yourself. Ted was all we expect of a Fagin with a good singing voice in Pick A Pocket Or Two and he showed both a nasty streak and a more sensitive side. He also gave us a great rendition of Reviewing The Situation. Seth, as Charlie Bates was cheeky and forward  as a member of Fagin’s gang..There was plenty of action and movement by Fagin’s gang.

Lily was a tremendous Nancy, playing the part with lots of movement and a lively voice in As Long As He Needs Me. She also led the chorus in a rousing Oom-Pah-Pah which was well received. She was aided by Megan as Bet. Zachary, as Bill Sikes was suitably evil and belted out his song, My Name.

Who Will Buy was quite delightful, sung by Jess (milkmaid), Ella C (strawberry seller) Ava (Rose Seller) and joined by Stan (Knife Grinder). I loved it!

Mr and Mrs Sowerby, Erin and Ella were well paired and acted their parts well. Their assistant Charlotte, (Caitlin M ) was really quite truculent in the role. Stan, as Noah Claypole was the devious and unpleasant shop assistant who tormented Oliver.

Mr Brownlow, (Lewis) was rather serious and sombre and was paired well with the housekeeper, Mrs Bedwin (Tetti). Other small parts were played by Rose, (Captain, )  Penelope (the handwalker), Nipper ( Hattie), Chairman (Darcy), Alice T ( Dr Grimwig), Ruby C ( Matron), Alys C ( Old Sally), Betty ( Maid) and Hayden and Caitlin M as workhouse governors.

The dancers, Hayden, Evie C and Elena performed some interesting little routines and all the young people were engaged in quite a lot of movement.

The costumes which were very colourful, relevant and coordinated were all made in house and added a great deal to the production.

Many congratulations to everyone involved and especially to Principal, Deborah Marks and her team for bringing this production to stage and for working so hard with such a large cast of young people.

The audience were very appreciative and I certainly enjoyed this production.

 

 

 

 

 

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