Formerly known as Maghull Amateur Operatic Society
Oliver
|
|
OliverPerformed at The Little Theatre,
|
|
Oliver Twist ........................................... Sam Short / Charlie McMullen
Mr Bumble ..................................................................... Brian Brady
Widow Corney ............................................................. Chris McCabe
Mr Sowerberry ............................................................ Tony Adamson
Mrs Sowerberry ................................................................. Sally Lane
Noah Claypole .............................................................. James Butler
Charlotte ...................................................................... Emma Pilson
The Artful Dodger ........................... ..... Jonathon Butler / Andrew Parry
Fagin ......................................................................... Adrian Roberts
Charley Bates ............................................................. Matthew Green
Nancy ..................................................................... Helen Illingworth
Bet ............................................................................... Laura Fegan
Bill Sykes ......................................................................... Neil Butler
Bullseye .................................................................................. Lady
Mrs Bedwin ..................................................................... Joyce Perrin
Mr Brownlow ............................................................... Tony Adamson
Dr Grimwig ..................................................................... Ian Culshaw
Old Sally ..................................................................... Carol Kennedy
Old Lady ................................................................. Helga Kristenson
Who will buy singers
Elaine Cox , Laura Makin, Stacey Davies , Laura McDonald, David Banks
Lydia Bland, Raphael Burne, Elizabeth Butler, Sam Denia, Callum Dowd, Charlie Flowers, Alex Flynn, Paul Forbes, , Rebecca Gavin, Matthew Green, Karl Hughes, Tom Hughes, Patrick Houghey, Fleur Illingworth, Deli McEwan, Alex McKillop, Edward McKillop, , Sean Shanahan, Steven Stokey, Anna Taylor, Joe Westall, Rebecca Wooder, Louisa Woods,
Thelma Adamson, Val Bridges, Claire Bryan , Carol Butler, Elaine Cox , Gill Culshaw , Ian Culshaw, Sarah Culshaw,, Stacey Davies , Eric Fletcher, Kayley Foran, Gaynor Hale , Michael Hughes, Liam Jones, Carol Kennedy, Helga Kristensen, Laura McDonald, Larua Makin, Julie Maloney, Daniel McWaters, Rita Morgan, Lisa Morgan-Jervis, Carol Reilly, Janet Rose, Annamaria Taylor, Trudi Walsh
Production Credits
Director ......................................................Betty Hall (Assisted by Ian Culshaw)
Musical Director ....................................................................... Richard Winter
Choreographer .............................................. Betty Hall (assisted by Elaine Cox)
Production co-ordinator .................................................................... Betty Hall
Pianist ................................................................................... Hilary Burgoyne
Stage Manager ......................................................................... Neil Townsend
Stage Crew .................................................................... Dave Cox, Dave Smith
Costumes .......................................................................Charades/Betty Avery
Wardrobe ....................................................................................... Betty Hall
Seamstress ........................................................................... Marjorie Gaskell
Continuity .................................................................................. Pam Ashcroft
Librarian .............................................................................. Andrew Albertina
Ticket Secretaries ................................................................ Dave & Elaine Cox
Front of House ................................................................ Friends of the Society
Poster Design .......................................................................... The Committee
Programme Design ............................................................................ Dave Cox
Publicity ....................................................................... Neil Butler & Sally Lane
Properties ................................................................................... Chris & Brian
Photography ................................................................... Dave Cox, Alan Martin
FOR THE LITTLE THEATRE
Sound ................................................................................ Bernie Howatt
Lighting ................................................................................... Tony Berry
Flyman .............................................................................. Chris Appleton
Programme printed by Walter Brown Printers
Lowton, Warrington
NODA Review
This production of Oliver! had many enjoyable and well-choreographed scenes, good characters, an excellent orchestra under the baton of Richard Winter and some well rehearsed dialogue. Most of the action went smoothly but various scenes tended to fade towards the end and others were slow to start. For example, the impact of the opening of Act Two, the rowdiness and atmosphere of the 'Three Cripples' was completely lost by the cast being on stage with open tabs, waiting for the audience members to return to their seats.
Charlie McMullan as Oliver gave a memorable performance. He captivated the audience throughout. Andrew Parry as the Artful Dodger gave an agreeable performance but he needed to attack the role with more physical energy to give the role of Dodger his more precocious and cheeky disposition.
Helen Illingworth played Nancy. Her characterisation held true throughout her performance, but the striking red dress was far too immaculate. Her singing, especially of 'As Long As He Needs Me' is to be commended.
Adrian Roberts as Fagin played the role with skill. It could have been enhanced by him showing more signs of a doting foster father to the gang, but Adrian came into his own with his 'Reviewing the Situation'. Neil Butler gave a first-rate performance as Bill Sykes. He encouraged fiery dramatic scenes, notably in the 'Three Cripples', giving plenty of dynamics to the dialogue - even the dog barked on cue! Other characters were well cast and gave commendable support as the story unfolded. Full marks go to Tony Adamson who took the dual roles of a kindly Mr Browniow and in contrast, sinister Mr Sowerberry. It was a little disappointing that Sally Lane as Mrs Sowerberry didn't play the play in the same ilk, to make a sinister pair.
Visually the production looked professional, with good scenery and excellent costumes. The large cast of 23 children and 26 adults played with enthusiasm most of the time. However, when everyone was on stage, it appeared overcrowded for too much of the time. On occasions, fewer people in each scene would have presented more effective staging. Verbal reaction by the crowd would have also helped to enliven some of the scenes.
Overall this was an enjoyable production, supported by a fine orchestra and staged by an obviously enthusiastic theatre company.
(Barbara Worrall)