Oliver!

Directors: Kat Bond & Jill Peters
Musical Director: Sarah Astley
Choreography: Kat Bond & Team

The beginning of the 60's brought about the premiere of the blockbuster musical 'Oliver!'. Newtown MTC made full use of this ever popular piece, which exploited the talents of all the characters.

Discipline was evident during the first scene, with the 22 children from Bro Hafren Choir singing their hearts out in the Workhouse. This set the tone for the whole show. Andrew Bond and Gaenor James were well matched as the morbid Undertakers, Mr & Mrs Sowerberry. They brought a new dimension to their roles in a prancing rendition of 'That's Our Funeral', which I found to be macabre to say the least. Cathryn Jenkins in the title role of Oliver completed her task with ease, whilst Jessica Breese provided a formidable Artful Dodger. I am assured Elliot Hopkins - Oliver and Jorge Bowen - Artful Dodger, who took the roles in two performances, both excelled. The role of the villainous Jew, Fagin, was in the hands of experienced player Mike Clarke, who took every opportunity to manifest his stagecraft. Nothing was left to chance with his interpretation of this character. His rapport with the Gang and his concern for Nancy culminated in a faultless performance. Strong characterisation from Gareth McMurdo as the ruthless Bill Sykes, his gutteral accent adding much to his merciless performance. Superb contribution from Hannah Wilson as Nancy, whose big number 'As Long as He Needs Me' was a real highlight, and she kept in character throughout. Cameo roles were well executed in every situation. Chorus thorougly enjoyed their knees up with 'Who Will Buy' gaining a well deserved applause.

On the downside, I would have liked to have seen a younger and scruffier Fagin's Gang and dirtier Workhouse Kids, but this was an excellent production and all must be congratulated, including the suitable dressed and hard worked stage staff.

Grateful thanks to Theatr Hafren for their support and enthusiasm with this production, and to Chairman Jackie and husband Ian for their most generous hospitality and for allowing us to gatecrash your Oom-pah-pah!

(Click on the image to return to the Oliver! web page.)