Oliver Jr

It is always nice to be invited to see a group of young performers for the first time
and to be so warmly welcomed by the company and fellow NODA rep Leslie Judd.
Having never seen Oliver! Jnr it was eagerly anticipated to see how it varied from the
full show. The one set staging worked well and with the occasional addition of some
large props this helped to maintain a good pace throughout the performance.
No overture and straight into the action as Workhouse orphans seemed to start
pouring onto the stage singing about FOOD, what a good sound and we heard every
word. Imogen Coote as Mr Bumble, who sang well and Harriet Pooley as Widow
Corney oversaw the most famous line in the show. It is now that we are introduced to
Brandon Green as Oliver and how well he carried this part off, with a lovely singing
voice and good projection on all his dialogue. Oliver is then taken by Mr Bumble to
be sold to Mr Sowerberry (Jac Eaglen) the undertaker and his wife (Maddie Jackson)
Mrs Sowerberry both nice strong characters well portrayed. A fight ensues between
Oliver and Noah Claypole (Dylan Whiting) during which Oliver makes his escape. It
is worth mentioning at this point that Dylan Whiting played several different
characters and showed off his acting prowess by presenting us with a change for
each one, well done. Who should Oliver bump into now but the cheeky and worldly
wise Artful Dodger (Benjamin Buck) who led the gang with his strong diction and
good projection. Lee Clifton as Fagin showed us the respect his young group
afforded him, by giving us a believable old rogue with vocal strength and displaying
accolades that had helped him achieve a Young Performer of the Year Award.
Nancy(Sophie Briffitts) delivered everything you would expect from this character,
strong vocals, good acting, and a heart-warming affection towards Oliver. Bet (Evie
Gelder) threw herself into this very much reduced part, but she added to this well
drilled and vocally strong ensemble with a rousing rendition of Oom Pah Pah. At this
point the story takes a dark turn as we are introduced to the sinister and cruel Bill
Sykes, never an easy part for a young performer but handled well by Dean Wallace
(where was Bullseye we missed him?).
When Oliver needed help and stability he got it from Mr Brownlow (Greg Aviss) his
hitherto unknown Grandfather. This was sympathetically and confidently played by
the Young Performer of the Year and you could understand how he had achieved
this award. Mrs Bedwin (Dulcie Garton) was the nurse/nanny that we would all like to
have had.
Overall this was an impressive display of talents from a group that is developing and
after lockdown it is so good to see these young people enjoying themselves and
learning the art of entertainment. A massive well done to you all and a big pat on the
back for the production team.

The evening concluded with Leslie Judd (NODA Regional Representative for Region
4N) presenting the two Young Performer awards which rounded off a very enjoyable evening.

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