Oliver Jr

It’s always a pleasure attending any of In Your Face Theatre Seaham’s productions.  Such a warm pleasant welcoming group, producing some class act performances in a very difficult venue.  Their Youth are a credit to all involved with the group, hard working, talented, hilarious and wonderful young people who bound on stage with enthusiasm and energy a plenty. Their production of Oliver Jr was very much of the incredible standard that IYFTS are known for.

The Junior version has shortened and age appropriate songs, to a soundtrack and to be honest I preferred it to the original though I did miss “I shall scream Mr Bumble” which is omitted amongst others.

Staging is difficult in their playing area so the production team always have a difficult job on their hands to work out the best way to showcase their productions in the limited spacing.  Jade-Leigh Hewitt (Director) and Jenni Watson (Musical Director) supported by the IYFTS team definitely got the best from the space they have available, even managing to create two levels to obtain the London bridge, Fagin’s den, a workhouse, a funeral parlour and Mrs Brownlow’s home.  I loved the added comedy which Jade introduced to the script keeping the audiences entertained.

Choreography by Stephane Peacock assisted by Rebecca Moore was very well rehearsed and performed by the cast, appropriate for the ages and abilities on stage and the cast were clearly having an absolute ball performing it.

Their youth section is large so for their production of Oliver Jr they’d chosen to double cast two of the lead roles being Nancy and Bill Sykes.  I was lucky enough to attend two performances and so was able to see both of the roles played very differently by four very talented young people.  Madoc Atkinson and Harris Miller sharing the role of Bill Sykes and Aimee Curtis and Leila Liddle sharing the role of Nancy.  First and foremost, all four of them were exceptional.  Madoc very much looked the part of Bill Sykes, dark and brooding, using his physicality to create the menacing troubled character we know.  Harris brought a very “Tommy Shelby” like edge to his portrayal with small gestures, control and mannerisms added to his character which really gave Sykes that additional darkness.  The murder of Nancy was done simply albeit very cleverly, well done Jade, which suitably shocked the audience. Both of their renditions of “My Name” were executed extremely well, proud of you both.

Then we have our Nancys! Aimee and Leila were both absolute powerhouses when it comes to their vocals and their renditions of “As Long as He Needs Me” a song well known to many.  Beautifully executed, both of you.  Really lovely.  Leila brought a slight softness to Nancy which I very much enjoyed, giving her behaviour when it came to the kidnapping of Oliver context.  Aimee was gorgeous in the role, and I did really enjoy seeing last years “Rising Star” in a different type of role showing her versatility as an actor.  Well done to both of you, really excellent performances.

The titular character of “Oliver” was played by the absolutely gorgeous William Hare who could have been born to play that part.  He was absolutely brilliant for one so young, never faltering in his performance, singing beautifully and melting the hearts of the audience.  His songs were wonderful and even moved this ice queen’s heart as he sung “Where is Love”.  Well done William.

Nathan Johnson.  Where to even start with Nathan Johnson.  This young man is destined for great things, whatever those great things may be.  Playing Fagin to perfection, even down to the expertly applied facial hair and make up by his equally talented mum Victoria, keeping the energy levels high, the audience in the palm of his hand, he is and was incredible.  The small mannerisms and quirks which were very Ron Moody like never dipped once whilst he was on stage and his timing was perfection. His “Reviewing the Situation” and “Pick a Pocket” were excellent.  Really well done Nathan, though I expected nothing less from you.

The Artful Dodger was played by Orie Coulton-Goodwin who is another consistently superb performer who again excelled himself with his cheekiness, wit and talent shining through.  “Consider Yourself” as expected was bright, lively and his grin had the audience beaming.  He has fabulous stage presence throughout and really engaged with the audience with great comedy inserts.  Another superb performance under your belt Orie, again I’d expect nothing less.  You’re a star.

Supporting roles were played by Francesca Lundie as Mrs Brownlow, Summer Martin as Mr Bumble, Lily Mason as Widow Corney, Lydia Franklin as Mrs Bedwin, Charley Foley as Dr Grimwig, Lexi Neasham as Old Sally, Luke Pearson as Mr Sowerberry, Lucy Stephenson as Mrs Sowerberry, Evie Thompson as Bet, Abigale Slade as Charlotte, Amelie Corner as Noah Catchpole, Sydney Rain as the strawberry seller and Romy Wilkinson as Matron all of whom did very well in their respective roles.  I’d not seen Summer play a lead role before, and she did extremely well portraying the bombastic Mr Bumble opposite Lily who can always be relied on to deliver a strong performance and maintained a strong cockney accent throughout.  “Boy for Sale” was very well done Summer, keep it up!  Evie was a newcomer to me, I’ve not seen her on stage before and she was a beautiful Bet, I do hope to see more of you Evie.

The ensemble throughout were bright and clear, with really good diction and enthusiasm though I did notice a difference in the energy levels in the two nights I attended.  2nd night dip I suspect, we have all seen it on stage!  “Food Glorious Food” was a great introduction to the musical and really well done in the space available.

It was great to see the volunteer crew in costume, blending in nicely whilst assisting the Youth with the scene changes effectively, very well ran stage Luke (stage manager).

All in all – I bloomin’ loved it!

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