Oliver! (Star-Struck Theatre Company)
The opening line of the opening song in Lionel Bart's, Oliver! states 'Is it worth the waiting for ?' and had that lyric been written about this particular production, the answer would, I have no doubt, been a resounding 'Yes'. Filling the Mill Theatre in Sedgley with all of the classic numbers that theatregoers know so well, we are sucked back into Dickensian Times and the trials and tribulations of young Oliver Twist.
Ashley Wilkes (Director), Joe Diggle (Musical Director) and Emilie Walters (Choreographer) have created an inspiring piece of theatre that not only entertains but, moves an audience in more ways than you might imagine.
Riding the crest of this theatrical and musical wave is a splendid performance from Vicky Bull as Nancy, a sparklingly powerful vocal and some intense characterisation, lurching from strength to vulnerability as the story requires. Benjamin Burdall is the epitome of lovable rogue in the iconic role of Fagin and Pat Lewis is verging on disturbingly sinister as the swarthy career criminal Bill Sykes.
Bringing something a little less intense and more light hearted are two partnerships. Richard Probert as a distinctly northern and somewhat lecherous Mr Bumble, striking-up an entertainingly comic partnership with the rather dominant Widow Corney played with great gusto by Tina Stephenson. Sally Ann Knapton-Lewis equally overbearing (as Dickensian Wives usually are) as Mrs Sowerberry, keeping her 'under the thumb' husband Mr Sowerberry, played with great comic timing by Richard Homer, in his place.
There is a rich array of youth talent headed by Liam Hewitt as an engagingly charming Artful Dodger, Harley Gibbons as Charlie Bates and William Tyne making a considerable mark in the title role. Supporting the youth principals are an extensive pool of young performers making-up the Workhouse Orphans and Fagin’s Gang.
In addition there are a number of smaller roles brought to life by large performances, Dylan Wright’s self-important Noah Claypole, Hannah Millington-Day’s sassy Charlotte, Grace Lewis’s outstanding vocals as Bet, Graham Sinnott’s cultured Mr Brownlow, Kathryn Fisher’s motherly Mrs Bedwin and an endearing comic cameo from Chris McWilliams as Dr Grimwig.
Not sure if it was Hugo or Sikes in the pivotal role of Bullseye at this performance but, as ever a canine showing that effortlessly upstages the humans.
It’s fair to say that you can ‘consider yourself’ to have well and truly missed out if you don’t see this show, so why not snap up one of the few remaining tickets before the run ends on Saturday 25th May 2019.
Book Here
Ashley Wilkes (Director), Joe Diggle (Musical Director) and Emilie Walters (Choreographer) have created an inspiring piece of theatre that not only entertains but, moves an audience in more ways than you might imagine.
Riding the crest of this theatrical and musical wave is a splendid performance from Vicky Bull as Nancy, a sparklingly powerful vocal and some intense characterisation, lurching from strength to vulnerability as the story requires. Benjamin Burdall is the epitome of lovable rogue in the iconic role of Fagin and Pat Lewis is verging on disturbingly sinister as the swarthy career criminal Bill Sykes.
Bringing something a little less intense and more light hearted are two partnerships. Richard Probert as a distinctly northern and somewhat lecherous Mr Bumble, striking-up an entertainingly comic partnership with the rather dominant Widow Corney played with great gusto by Tina Stephenson. Sally Ann Knapton-Lewis equally overbearing (as Dickensian Wives usually are) as Mrs Sowerberry, keeping her 'under the thumb' husband Mr Sowerberry, played with great comic timing by Richard Homer, in his place.
There is a rich array of youth talent headed by Liam Hewitt as an engagingly charming Artful Dodger, Harley Gibbons as Charlie Bates and William Tyne making a considerable mark in the title role. Supporting the youth principals are an extensive pool of young performers making-up the Workhouse Orphans and Fagin’s Gang.
In addition there are a number of smaller roles brought to life by large performances, Dylan Wright’s self-important Noah Claypole, Hannah Millington-Day’s sassy Charlotte, Grace Lewis’s outstanding vocals as Bet, Graham Sinnott’s cultured Mr Brownlow, Kathryn Fisher’s motherly Mrs Bedwin and an endearing comic cameo from Chris McWilliams as Dr Grimwig.
Not sure if it was Hugo or Sikes in the pivotal role of Bullseye at this performance but, as ever a canine showing that effortlessly upstages the humans.
It’s fair to say that you can ‘consider yourself’ to have well and truly missed out if you don’t see this show, so why not snap up one of the few remaining tickets before the run ends on Saturday 25th May 2019.
Book Here
Comments
Post a Comment