Brilliant, just brilliant! - the collective view of the whole audience, I am sure, at The Evans Theatre in Wilmslow Leisure Centre, for A&WMTC’s production of Oliver!
I have said many times before about the under-attended mass of local societies putting on quality shows, and this was a view shared by the gentleman who was seated next to me, but tonight was packed to the brim and well-deservedly so. A faultless show - other than a few minor problems from the sound department on occasions (and the lack of syncopation for the song Boy For Sale, sung by Mr Bumble) as well as an adapted version of Bill Sykes’ demise - this is the reason for a short review but the whole team should be commended and the committee thanked for their hospitality.
An old favourite, this show is difficult to attend without preconceptions, however, having seen quite a few performances in the many years of performing and reviewing, this is one of the best versions, despite the aforementions. From the workhouse boys entering the stage through the audience, to the multitude of talented singers and characterisations throughout, and the great choreography by Kevin David Clarke, just wow. The band should also be commended - in the absence of a mention in the programme - but they weren’t as powerful as they could have been, under the direction of Ed Nurse.
Character-wise, each one shone but if I were to choose stand-outs then (chairman) Tina Spiers’ workhouse mistress Widow Corney, Sara Hawley’s Nancy, Rob Haslam’s Fagin, funeralaires Mr (Bradley Snelling) and Mrs Sowerberry (Katy Thomason-Stewart), Oskar Jackson’s Artful Dodger, Oliver Lamont’s namesake in the title role, Steve Sheppard’s workhouse Beadle Mr Bumble and Morgan Wild’s Bet were excellent, with ‘Dodger’’s impressively-dressed sidekick Charlie Bates (Lewis Window), supported by Alex Bingle’s Bill Sykes (with Gordon Vaja as Bull-Terrier Bullseye), Sophie Williams’ Charlotte, Jonathan Creswell’s Noah Claypole, Brian Sumner’s Brownlow and Joan Dean’s Mrs Bedwin.
With so many iconic and well-performed songs - I Shall Scream, Consider Yourself, Where Is Love, You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two, Who Will Buy?, I’d Do Anything, As Long As He Needs Me, It’s A Fine Life, Food Glorious Food and Oom-Pah-Pah - along with Heidi Cook’s direction, this is a show not to be missed.
Reviewer - John Kristof
on - 6/11/19
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