Whilst I’m not a great lover of musicals, who can resist Charles Dickens and Oliver? My teen daughter was keen too – having helped with the stage management of various school productions (she knew all the words to all the songs). For a rainy Tuesday night, it seemed like a good idea for an evening’s entertainment. There were plenty of other parents who must have had the same idea. I guess a 940pm finish isn’t too late for a school night.
It was lovely to have a live orchestra, although all we could see from our seats was the enthusiastic baton waving of the conductor. BROS Theatre Company originated in Barnes and Henry Calcutt (who played the lead and sang well) started at Shene Stage School and has been involved in Kingston Youth Theatre – so it felt suitably West London.
The thunder sound effects got us off to a strong start followed by 20 workhouse lads providing an enthusiastic and well produced “Food Glorious Food”. The set and scene changes were pretty slick. A good backdrop and some atmospheric dry ice created a suitably London feel. We enjoyed “Boy for sale” and “Where is love?” and “Consider yourself” was excellent. Full marks to Joshua Medcalf who played The Artful Dodger but the scene stealer was James Turnbull as Fagin in “Pick a pocket or two”.
After the interval Nancy (Sue Chaperlin) was fun in “Omm-Pah-Pah”. Bill Sykes (Chris Warden) was suitably ominous although the rather perky Poppy who played his dog Bullseye lightened the mood a bit. The “Who will buy?” arrangement was skilful. The story unfolded and reached its climatic ending, although it didn’t feel too sad when Bill Sykes did his final dirty deed.
I was surprised that the singing and dancing was so good – and the music was really first class. Even the Cockney accents passed muster. Happy Mum and happy daughter – what more could you ask? And judging by the enthusiastic comments of the crowd as they left the theatre, we weren’t the only ones who had enjoyed the production.
Oliver plays at Richmond Theatre until Saturday and tickets range from £12-£25.
http://www.shenestageschool.com/contact-us
http://www.brostheatrecompany.org/
http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/bros-theatre-oliver/richmond-theatre/
