Oliver Twist

Thank you for your kind invitation to report on your production of “Oliver Twist”, a play version of the famous story by Charles Dickens, originally adapted for performance outdoors, and now performed indoors.  The script was very well adapted for the stage here, where the quick-fire scenes were so well arranged.  For example, having Mr Brownlow’s study at an angle to the main stage worked extremely well.  In fact, the staging was both creative and ingenious with the rich colours of the study a strong contrast to the well-devised city backdrop. 

The set was very well thought through and planned, with no scene changes other than some furniture items, making continuity and pace very good.  I particularly liked the lighting effects on the backdrop, making the most of the reflective paint.  The feeling of cold heartlessness this gave was well contrasted by the study in its tones of red, brown and gold with warm lighting. This atmosphere of warmth and welcome was also nicely reflected in the warmth between the characters who felt at home there.  The changes to the stage for the bookshop, coffins and roof top were most effective and very creative.  

The lighting was very effective in inducing mood on the stage, with a cooler light for the street scenes, a more dismal mood for Fagan’s den and the workhouse, and warmth for the study. Cues were clear and well taken up.  The music was unfamiliar in the main part, and some seemed to emphasise the grinding down of people, although the introduction music was familiar.  Sound levels were good, cues were taken promptly  and the auditory effects added depth to the production throughout. 

The costumes were beautiful!  Starting with the workhouse trustees and Mr Bumble through to Mrs Maylie and Rose, they looked authentic and totally in keeping with the times.  Each character looked and sounded believable, with good voice projection and body language, with well-planned crowd scenes and well-orchestrated chases and movement.

However, it was the cast that made this the excellent production that has proved to be.  The main characters are commented on here, but everyone played their parts to the full and in a clear understanding of the effects required – especially when the humour broke through!  The main parts are listed below:

Mr. Bumble was excellently portrayed as a rigid, unbending authority figure, he brought an air of fear to the workhouse, well balanced by his bewilderment when married and an inmate himself. 

Mrs Corney was well portrayed as manipulative: uncaring and uncharitable towards the inmates and using guile and deceit for her own advancement.

Oliver Twist was beautifully played, the character’s essential moral sense was clear throughout with well-acted defiance and refusal to do wrong.  And he looked right!

Agnes:  Oliver’s mother, was a benign presence in his imagination; she brought a gentle air of reason and comfort to Oliver.  Very well-acted.

Monks:  Excellently portrayed as spiteful and malicious, and mysteriously determined that Oliver should not prosper.  The character’s inborn jealousy and bitterness towards Oliver as a family member were clearly shown.  A very good performance.

Fagin:  An excellent portrayal of a complex character.  His ruthlessness in protecting his livelihood against betrayal, while both exploiting and caring for his boys were all clearly demonstrated.  An energetic and enjoyable performance.

Jack Dawkins (Artful Dodger):  A lively portrayal of a skilful pickpocket whose friendliness towards Oliver was limited by his loyalty to Fagin.  Clever use of his over-large hat brought out a touch of humour as did his quick escapes from trouble.  A good, lively performance.

Bill Sikes:  Excellently portrayed as menacing, dangerous, with an air of criminal violence.  His fear for his life and his natural cruelty were very well depicted.  His final scene was very well done!

Nancy:  Submissive and meek at first, her gradual concern for Oliver and shame for her own lifestyle allowed her to stand up to the villainy of Fagin and Bill Sikes.  This character development came across clearly.  A good performance.

Bullseye:  Bill Sikes’ dog, essential to the plot, was cleverly controlled by its puppeteer.  An impressive effect.

Mr Brownlow:  Portrayed as kind and good-willed, refusing to believe any evil of Oliver.  His pleasantly absent-minded character was well depicted.

Mr Grimwig:  Portrayed as protective of Mr Brownlow and suspicious of Oliver, distrusting his intentions.  His grumpiness was well depicted and his catchphrase “I’ll eat my head” brought humour to the part.

Mrs. Sowerberry, Charlotte and Noah Claypole were all depicted as unpleasant characters, unfairly picking on Oliver, lying and causing trouble.

     Mr. Sowerberry:  an unusual undertaker, his amazing funeral procession with gazoos was hilarious.

Coachpeople:  clearly expressed in their voices the view that “the poor” were to be avoided and beggars especially to be despised.

This was an outstanding production that demonstrated the high standard of drama that can be produced in a small village hall in creating a believable drama from such a well-known story.   The production was very well planned and executed, with very good front of house, set design, scenery, costumes, lighting, sound and stage crew.  This was a most enjoyable evening of amateur drama.  Many congratulations!

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