Oliver!

It's here! It was 12 years in the planning (and re-planning and rescheduling) but it's here! Wyong Shire has her very own multi-purpose performance arts space. Pulling up in front of the former Memorial Hall site now feels totally surreal. With it's streamlined, glass visage, through to the spacious foyer, very high ceilings and the 500 seat theatre (with balcony seating!) you could be forgiven for mumbling to yourself “Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Wyong anymore”. Even with the smell of fresh paint filling the foyer, this exciting new facility seems to be well worth the wait.

While this wasn't the building's official opening (that happens next month), the frantic last minute preparations could have made for a very shaky opening night, but with a cast (and orchestra) peppered with seasoned veterans and all that state-of-the art technical equipment to boost the show's overall appearance, WMTC was able to kick off it's 20th Anniversary year in style. Sasha Teliatnikov plays a genuinely heart-warming Oliver with his sweet, gentle voice providing nice contrast opposite Jamie Sturgess' dapper Dodger (both roles being dual cast). An undeniably stand out performance is given by GMS regular Toni Williams, whom clearly relished the opportunity to reprise her 2007 turn as the feisty but tragic Nancy. Marc Calwell adds a vulnerable touch to Fagin, while no one would want to meet Scott Osborne's Bill Sikes in a dark alley. Chorus highlights include “It's a Fine Life” and “Who Will Buy?”, the latter providing a lovely showcase for a nicely polished ballet ensemble. Cheeky comic turns from the minor leads round out a fun family production for the Art House's debut.

Rose Cooper