Preview by Nora Birch: 'Oliver should not to be missed'
The parts are well cast and carried out to perfection.
The workhouse children and Fagin’s gang carry out their roles with obvious enjoyment, and the song ‘Consider Yourself’will have your toes tapping, as will ‘Oom Pah Pah’ led by Nancy.
A special mention must go to Mary Garbe in the role of Nancy who had to step into the part at the last minute, leaving her only days to learn the words and dancing, which she has done to perfection.
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Hide AdOliver (Aiden Devlin) and the Artful Dodger(Daniel Hand) balance each other perfectly. Aiden looks like a waif while Daniel’s cheeky grin is infectious and endearing.
Mr Bumble (David Lovell) and Widow Corney(Margaret Dorn) mix cruelty and comedy which makes you laugh and cringe at the same time. John Hurton playing Fagin also gives a performance that makes you like him even though you should not. Finally, Mark Hubbard who plays Bill Sykes will have you shrinking into your seats to get out of his way.
All in all, I am sure you will come out of the theatre with the tunes going round in your head and a lighter spring in your step.
l Oliver, at Melton Theatre, runs from March 2-5 with a Saturday matinee.
Tickets are available from the theatre box office on (01664) 851111.