SOUTH WEST AREA

This ever-popular musical by Lionel Bart drew full houses to TAOS. The chorus work was good and the children delightful, but not enough thought had been put into the finer points of this superb musical resulting in some disappointing features of the production.

The lighting left much to be desired. Too many scenes were not bright enough, although at the finale the silhouette of Fagin was a clever idea. The small orchestra under the Musical Direction of Helen Bilkey played well but was not strong enough to be thrilling.

Many of the costumes were not correct for the period. Bet was far too modern and clean and in the second Act Nancy looked as if she was going to a modern ball and not the Dickensian pauper she was portraying.

I was appalled to see Back Stage Crew removing props during Nancy’s “As Long As He Needs Me” and what a pity she had no movements during the song, likewise Oliver’s “Where Is Love”.

The sets were just about acceptable.

Some Individual Performances:-

Oliver - Luke Rees-Oliviere.
Rather tall for this role but did extremely well.

The Artful Dodger – Josh Adcock
Cheeky, with a good strong voice and a good mover. Well done.

Fagin – Clive James
A good performance but could have had a stronger relationship with the gang of ruffians who were all too clean.

Nancy – Leonie Harrison
For me, the undisputed star of this production. Her clear dialogue and beautifully controlled singing voice, both with a convincing cockney accent, was most impressive.

Bill Sykes – Gary Robson
A very powerful performance. Could have used his “jimmy” a little more but still quite menacing. What a shame he was not allowed to sing “My Name”, especially as he had a fine singing voice. That song immediately sets this character.

Mr. Bumble – Mike Kemp
A good characterization and well sung.

Widow Corney – Lorraine Smith
A well sustained role.

Mr. Sowerberry – Matthew Heaton
A very good make-up and I loved that voice.

Mrs. Sowerberry – Anna Mansell
Used the higher register of the voice rather too often making dialogue difficult to understand.

Mr. Brownlow – Francis Holmes
Played very sympathetically.

Bet – Erin Simpson
Sang well but in general was not quite loose enough.

Charlotte – Gemma Buckle
A good portrayal of the part.

Noah Claypole – Craig Fisher
Can always be relied upon to give a first class performance.

Mrs. Bedwin – Tina Foxon
Nicely portrayed.

Dr. Grimwig – Danny Greatwood
Did not make enough of his banter with Oliver

Overall, this was a fairly competent production directed by Phil Courage, but was still a lot to be desired.