The culmination of a children's summer school hosted by Crewe's Lyceum Theatre was a performance of the one-hour junior version of Lionel Bart's seminal musical, 'Oliver!'
The children aged I would estimate between 9 and 18, and were not only tasked with acting, singing and dancing this well-loved story (based of course of Dickens's 'Oliver Twist), but had to cope with performing on a stage with the deepest rake in the UK! (not easy!)
A simple multi-purpose set of two low-level rostra formed the basis of the set. Other smaller items were brought in and out as necessary. A railing and effective lighting to the rear. Sound levels were generally good, and the lighting helped to create the correct mood and setting for each scene. Costumes were, on the whole, in period, and looked appropriate; but some were distinctly far too modern and not in keeping with the show at all sadly. [...and can somebody please pin Fagin's scarf to his shoulder?!]
The whole cast worked well with what they had been given, and of course gave their cumulative alls to this show. And of course, all the cast should be highly praised for their efforts. I would have preferred more in the way of original and demanding choreography, but what they did was solidly and easily completed. The singing was in general good, and their chorus songs performed with vim.
Oliver was performed by a plaintive James Langan with a sweet singing voice, whilst The Artful Dodger was was the traditional cockney wide-boy as performed here by Emily Lavin. Putting in a truly heartfelt performance (backing tracks and scarf notwithstanding) was Alex Hricko as Fagin. Special mentions should be made of Grace McQuillan's interpretation of the role of Mr. Bumble, changed here to Miss Bumble. Her stern, upright gait and presence was impressive, and her operatically trained voice was a joy to listen to. Whilst Hannah Pascall made sure that despite her diminutive stature, she was not going to be forgotten with her nasty and powerful voice and demeanour.
The unfortunate thing with this show was the choice to use pre-recorded backing tracks. These children were ill-equipped to cope with these tracks, as they did not give the soloists enough help in finding their notes or entrances. It takes an experienced singer to be able to use backing tracks, and then only when those tracks have been played and recorded especially for that singer. Mostly the tracks will be in the wrong tempo, the wrong key, not play the music the way you have rehearsed it, not play the full song, or play only a running bass line and not give any help with the soloist's entry etc.... I mention all of this here simply because all of this was true of this evening's performance, and there were several occasions where the singers were caught out by the tracks, which seemed unfair.
Congratulations to all.. especially when having to cope with a fire alarm just ten minutes before the end of the show!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 27.8.23
on - 27.8.23
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