Oliver!

A  marvellous 22 piece orchestra under the expert direction of John Ferguson; a superb ensemble of children with stand-out performances from the two leads; two absolute stars in Fagin and Nancy; and the timeless collaboration of Lionel Bart and Charles Dickens; all combine to make this production an absolute triumph for OSMaD.

It is not without some weaknesses – uneven performances from some of the supporting players, patchy dancing to Jenny Vincent-Green’s delightfully innovative and sharp choreography, and a few directorial choices that muddy context and sometimes leave long stage waits….but these are only noticeable as comparatives with the overall high standard. This production could certainly hold its own against most main-stage revivals, and that’s a great plus for community theatre.

One great advantage community theatre has over professional main stage is the astonishing Angelo de Cata, an actor who can take any role, twist it inside out, fill it with his own brand of passion and yet still maintain every nuance and subtlety. He is equally at home in drama or musicals and his performances in Kiss of The Spider Woman and Amadeus are indelibly stamped on the psyches of all who saw him. He is a very rare bird, and it isn’t any secret that I am a huge fan and it is largely through him that I have come to develop a love of community theatre. His Fagin is darker and more complex than we’re used to. This Fagin is not endearing or excusable, but boy is he charismatic! He holds the kids (and the audience) in thrall from the second he enters. There are moments when Director Barbara Hughes has left him without anything to do during orchestra solos, but no doubt de Cata will find a level of business or engagement that suits him. He nails his three big numbers but the highlight for me was his dancing with the kids in Be Back Soon….it was a moment of pure connection in spite of the crime that holds them together.  I’ve seen many Fagins on stage, including Ron Moody, Jonathan Pryce and even a great interpretation in a PLOS production. De Cata’s Fagin is up there with the very best, and will have you thinking long after you leave the theatre.

Stephanie Powell (Nancy) is stunning. She has great command of the stage, a powerful and pure singing voice and a great connection with the audience. I’m sure once she settles in she will find a little more vulnerability in her love for Bill, and perhaps more raunchiness, or common-ness overall. She’s just a teensy bit too ladylike…but a terrific performance nonetheless.

So often in Bart’s show the weakness lies with the casting of Oliver himself and the Artful Dodger. Not so here. Joshua Vass (Oliver) is suitably frail and angelic with a superb soprano voice and excellent diction. Ben Jason-Easton (Dodger) is a revelation…a seasoned performer at the age of 11. He is full of brash confidence and lights the stage with his presence and his singing. Both boys are integral to the high standard of the production and display a really strong connection with each other.

Keith Stubley (Mr Bumble) makes a welcome return to the stage and really gives Harry Secombe a run for his money with that fine tenor voice. His experience shows and he’s always an asset. His scenes with Colleen Johnson – who brings an extra degree of  delicious harridan to Widow Corney, are delightful.

Kent Martin is impressive as Bill Sikes…a role that’s often hard to cast. He’s menacing and physically imposing, and very strong vocally. The rest of the cast work hard with varying degrees of success but Colin Morley does need to reign in his Mr Sowerberry just a little, he’s too OTT for the performances around him.

Richard Perdriau’s set is functional and a good use of space without being exciting; Danny Issko’s lighting design is subtle and expressive, and Glenn Bardwell’s Sound complements it beautifully; Chloe Thomas’ costumes are an absolute delight and a special mention for the marvellous quality of the programme. All these elements together more than do justice to both Bart and Dickens in this highly enjoyable production.

Coral Drouyn

Photos by Bonnie Savage  and Scott Montgomery