Oliver Junior Version

Lionel Barks “Oliver” (Junior Version)
Presented by Aspire Performing Arts Academy
The Brindley Theatre, Runcorn
Monday 8th April 2024

The opening number “food glorious food” was indicative of how the whole show would go. Bright energetic, focused, and disciplined.  

(Mr Bumble) Jamie Cushion has a natural stage presence, empathetic character characterisation and sang “Boy for Sale” with a real feeling for every word.

(Mrs Sowerberry) Ray Haskell Keates (Charlotte) Kiera Bowles and (Noah) Jessica Roberts. You all didn’t overplay or underplay. You captured the essence of the characters. Well done.

(Oliver) Leonidas Kylilis it’s hard to believe you are only ten, you walked that stage with the confidence of a seasoned performer your character portrayal was instantly endearing.

(Dodger) Charlotte Pennington a really likeable portrayal of Dodger with some real flashes of talent.

A convincing recreation by James Rathbone-Britch (Fagin) good strong performances mannerisms and singing in “Pick a Pocket” and “Rum Tum Tum”.

“It’s a Fine Life” and “As Long as he needs me” sang with meaning and a natural level of sentiment and emotion - well done Erin Bardsley.

Imaginative choreography and harmony in “Be Back Soon” and “Oom Pah Pah” convincing characterisation by (Nancy) Erin Bardsley and a lovely cameo by Ruby Lowe playing (Bet).

(Bill Sykes) Jasmine Watkinson a difficult part for any actor especially a young woman you made the character your own Jasmine a powerful rendition of “My Name” Well done.

“Where is Love” reprise a really touching scene (Mr Brownlow) again played with a perfect understanding of the character by Lucy Crompton.

You have a really beautiful voice Lucy Baldwin (Mrs Bedwin) opening the reprise of “Where is Love” The ensuing harmony enchanted the audience as did the pitch-perfect Erin Pumford (Rose Seller) and ensemble in “Who Will Buy”.

“Reviewing the Situation” Fagin’s decision time - you shone James Rathbone-Britch.

Sophie Penman (Widow Corney) captured the cold and calculating Widows character perfectly in a lovely scene well played by (Mr Bumble, Widow Corney and Mr Brownlow).

(Audrey) Alexia Porter (Alice) Millie Musker (Charlie) Amelia Talbot and (Captain) Riley Lowe, really well done!

This was an unusual show in that without exception everyone onstage became engaged, focused and in character as they stepped on stage. Each and every one of you has the potential to succeed in any Theatrical Arena.

I name everyone in the cast because you all contributed: Grace Leadbetter, Keira Frankle, Mya Allen, Isabella Pennington, Sophie Hayes, Charlotte Booth, Willow Hewitt, Cara Penman, Katie Archbald, Scarlett Glynn, Maddie Pye, Grace Leadbetter, Mya Allen, Alana-Rose Clare, Connie Stewart-Simpson, Mollie Wilson, Alyssa O’Donnel, Emma Booth.

A well-deserved standing ovation brought to a close show of a standard way beyond what would normally be expected of such a young cast.

Musical production to this standard don’t just happen, somewhere there is a figurehead a person or persons with vision, imagination and original theatrical flare. In this case, it has to Nicole Fagan (Director / Musical Director / Choreographer) and Kat Norman (Assistant Director / Production Stage Manager). 

Groupings moved collectively or individually were imaginative, precise and always looked natural.  From start to finish a standard, normally only seen in the professional theatre.

The backstage team of a West End Theatre have at least one week to get in and set up followed by at least two weeks of previews. Lighting, sound, furniture and props are allowed to settle in. You all had one night to manage quite complex stage logistics. Remarkable – Well Done!

Nathan Higham – For Sound/Tech

The Brindley Team

Imagine Video Productions

The backstage team:  Anton Roberts, Ruby Wilson, Robyn Jones, Gemma McQuade, Alison Poole, Helen Archibald, Erin Akerly, Ewan Fagan, Mhairi Boyle and Martin Craft.

Finally, at the bows, you could not help but feel the genuine affection this cast had for each other. You sometimes hear the expression “We are like a family” Aspire tangibly are!

Thank you for the courtesy shown to me. I look forward to your next production.

David Davies
On behalf of
NODA NW
District 6

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