Oliver! JR

Norwich School’s production of Oliver! JR proved to be a lively and thoroughly enjoyable early evening of musical theatre, making good use of the studio performance space and showcasing the confidence and commitment of its young cast.  This was a student-led production with only minimal input from the teaching staff, and the students clearly rose to the challenge. This production formed part of the Norwich School’s Summer Arts Festival series of events gather26.

I was given a warm welcome by Helen Reynolds at the door and an informative post-show conversation with Kathryn Loveday from the Drama Dept.

Visually, the production was anchored by a full-wall projected backdrop depicting different locations from Dickensian London, including Fagin’s hideout and the city’s streets. The projections were of good quality and helped establish each scene effectively. While the set itself was minimal, consisting largely of two low extensions positioned in front of the backdrop, these were used creatively and demonstrated that an engaging performance does not require elaborate scenery.

Costumes successfully captured the drab reality of Victorian street life, particularly for the workhouse children. Among the standouts was the Artful Dodger’s costume, which perfectly reflected the character’s confidence, charm and swagger alongside the gawdy Fagin.

Lighting was effective throughout with an impressive range of lamps available supporting the action seamlessly; sound quality was generally very good, although on a couple of occasions the backing tracks threatened to overpower the performers.

As is the case with Oliver! JR, the title character is not given an extensive amount of dialogue or character development. Nevertheless, Oliver (Oscar Parker-Wright) was portrayed with the appropriate innocence and vulnerability, capturing the waif-like qualities audiences expected from the role. The Artful Dodger played with great glee and cheek by Samson O’Farrell, was brimming with confidence for one so young and the interplay with the true to type Fagin (Santiago O’Dwyer) worked well showing Fagin’s unscrupulous nature mixed with absorbed self-pity.  Annabell Hitchings delivered a credible Nancy and her warmth and pity for the young Oliver came through with a strong solo near the end. 

Sikes (William Murphy) and Mr. Bumble (Edward Curtis) were believably vicious and mean-spirited.  The cast all delivered characterful performances that remained faithful to the well-loved interpretations of the classic musical. With relatively little spoken dialogue in the script, much of the storytelling falls to the songs, and the cast rose to that challenge demonstrating confident singing voices, including the group songs, which were performed with enthusiasm and energy.

Crowd scenes were handled especially well, creating a convincing sense of activity and bustle. Transitions between dialogue and musical numbers were smooth and natural, helping to maintain the pace.

The cast made good use of the studio space.  Just to note that when Fagin was counting treasure at the very front of the performance area it was largely invisible to audience members seated towards the middle and rear of the tiered seating. While only a small point, it did slightly reduce the impact of an otherwise well-staged moment.

Overall, this was an energetic and confident production that demonstrated the enthusiasm and talent of the young performers. The cast clearly enjoyed bringing this classic story to life, and their commitment was evident.  Supported by strong technical elements, imaginative use of space and some impressive vocal performances, Norwich Schools’ Oliver! JR was a successful and entertaining production that delighted its audience – and me of course!  Congratulations to Daisy and Charlie for their confident direction and getting the best out of a young cast.

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