Wiltshire Times

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2006

Musical offers something for all

The Civic Hall was packed on Wednesday for the opening night of Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society's production of Oliver!

Oliver! Is not an easy show to put on for two reasons, firstly everyone knows the Lionel Bart version and you have to live up to that and secondly you need a whole group of children who are up to the task.

TAOS have not done a bad job at all. They have found a cheeky little Artful Dodger in the shape of Joshua Adcock and Luke Rees-Oliviere had an admirable stab at the title role.

Young Luke did well although he would benefit, and would look as if he was enjoying the stardom, if someone had told him that there are parts in the play where he is allowed to smile.

There are also some good turns in the adult cast, with Gary Robson doing a suitably glowering turn as Bill Sykes and Lorraine Smith and Mike Kemp comical as Mr Bumble and Widow Corney.

Clive James puts in a very good performance as Fagin but the real star of the show is undoubtedly Leone Harrison as Nancy.

Ms Harrison had the audience spellbound as she sang her solo As Long As He Needs Me and they showed their appreciation with rapturous applause.

All in all this is one worth seeing and it is something that can be enjoyed by all the family.

Morwenna Blake