Oliver JR

It was lovely to return to see Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Company’s production of Oliver JR. Lionel Bart’s musical, the story based on the 1838 novel by Charles Dickens. It was great to see a youth group do one of the classics, so important for their Musical Theatre education. This was the Junior version, and I do worry with these shortened shows as to what is going to be omitted /altered. However, I didn’t feel as though it missed anything, the story was told at a faster pace than in the adult version, the songs coming thick and fast with most of the timeless songs included, though shortened.

The set was simple but effective, setting the scene well. All the scene changes indicated by small set dressings, the benches in the orphanage, row of handkerchiefs for the Fagin’s Den, a lamppost for exterior scenes. The lighting enhanced this well. Sound mostly worked well, except for the difficulties keeping excited young children quiet side stage when wearing radio mics, leading to the audience hearing a few conversations. Overall, the costumes worked well and were in period. I did feel that the Orphans and Fagin’s gang were a bit too glamorous with their full faces of stage makeup. and immaculately styled hair. Not a pale pasty, dirty face among them.

The Adult Ensemble worked well together, with some great dancing and singing. The Who Will Buy Soloists sung beautifully. The Orphans and Fagin’s Gang, also performed well. You can see the teamwork within the group with the older ones guiding the younger, which is lovely to see.

Oliver was a capable actor and singer. Dodger was energetic and embraced the character fully. Fagin another strong actor, it’s not easy for young actors to fully embody an old man but perhaps he could have looked at the physicality of the role a little more. Nancy was an accomplished actor with a great voice, I loved her version of As Long As He Needs Me. Bet, an often-overlooked character and often in the shadow of Nancy was portrayed strongly. Bill Sikes was suitably sinister and intimidating. Mr. Brownlow, Mrs. Bedwin and Dr Grimwig were all well performed and contributed well to the story. Mrs Bedwin’s solo was lovely. Mr Bumble and Widow Corney, a highlight for me, great characters, strong voices, confidently approached with some lovely comedy moments, the same with the Sowerberry’s and Noah and Charlotte, all bouncing off each other to create a great scene, just be careful not to rush the dialogue, there are some great funny lines which the audience need to hear and have time to respond to.

The Production Team of ten clearly worked hard and should be proud of what they have achieved, it was an impressive performance and I look forward to your next production.

These comments solely reflect the view of the Representative and can only relate to the performance seen.

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