Oliver!

Playing to full houses, Ballina Players has another hit on their hands with Clem Halpin’s production of Oliver.

Using the limitations of the stage area to advantage, Clem’s clever set took the audience back to the London of Victorian England with all its unsavoury characters plus a smattering of gentile folk thrown in for good measure.

Landon Broadley, in his first major production, gave a great performance as Oliver Twist and was ably supported by Sam Green as The Artful Dodger and the gang of Fagin’s juvenile pickpockets and thieves – all performing way above their tender ages.

As Fagin, Graeme Speed was a likeable villain and Jaime Sheehan’s Nancy was full of punch.

Dylan Wheeler gave a menacing portrayal as Bill Sykes with ghoulish performances from Mike Sheehan and Belinda Toth as Mr and Mrs Sowerbury.

Shelly Halpin’s costumes, Warwick Binney’s Musical Direction and Choreography by Shani McKay all contributed to the success of the production.

Another successful presentation from Ballina Players.

Roger McKenzie