OLIVER!

OLIVER! Review ,
The Sentinel 4th February 2009

STARS shimmered in a sky of deepest black, but nothing could be as dark as the gritty world of Dickension London, when the unfortunate Oliver Twist is born.

Stage Productions's haunting interpretation of this classic tale certainly pulled no punches, with the opening scenes depicting poverty, child cruelty and bullying.

Orphan Oliver Twist spends his early years suffering life in a workhouse, before being sold by the unscrupulous owners to an undertaker, only to experience further exploitation. These difficult scenes were impressively delivered and ensured that the audience was completely engaged with Oliver and his plight – adding nail-biting tension from the start. Indeed, when Oliver is recruited into a delinquent gang, there is much cause for celebration, and the lyrics "Consider yourself part of the family" have real meaning as Oliver finally finds a place to belong, not to mention a 'career' under the careful guidance of the Artful Dodger (Peter Nolan) and Fagin (Richard Masters). Of course, more trouble lies ahead.

Musically, this production started well with much-loved classics, such as Food Glorious Food, and simply seemed to get better as the evening progressed. Solos including He Needs Me (Zoe Bird) were stunning, and contrasted splendidly with rousing anthems involving the full cast. Oom Pa Pa captured the spirit of drunken chaos in the ale house, and street scenes pulsed with colour and well-choreographed song and dance, all under the shadow of St Paul's Cathedral.

Stage Productions is a local company, and last night's cast, which included both adults and children, was in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Without exception, performances were strong, including Oliver (Jack Hales), who succeeded in arousing sympathy without unnecessary sentimentality. The character of Bill Sykes was developed throughout the first act, so when he finally makes an entrance in the second half, the audience already had a feel for the evil which oozed convincingly from this sinister brute, wonderfully portrayed by Tom Davies.

Despite its undeniably grim themes, some subtle comedy, superb performances and ultimate justice made this a memorable and enjoyable night.