Oliver!

Engadine Musical Society’s production of Lionel Bart’s famous musical Oliver!, based on Dickens classic tale, was a joy to witness. Delivered in a darker sense than I have seen it performed previously, Director Meg Day has added her own unique touch to the much loved show.

Walking into the lightly fogged theatre set the scene and style of the show from the get go. The full house audience were buzzing and waiting for the opening chords of music to start. The audience, filled with many children and their parents, seemed to really enjoy the performance and some were even bopping away in their seats to numbers like “Oom Pah Pah” and “Consider Yourself”.

Having seen shows at the Engadine Community Centre before, I was keen to see how the group had constructed their set. Previously in shows at the venue, very little set had been used. With Oliver!, not having the orchestra on stage seemed to really help and gave the big cast lots of room to work in. The static set was used brilliantly - a bridge and platforms running off either side with stairs worked well. Adding of doors for the Orphanage and Sowerberry’s funeral parlour were lovely touches to set scenes.

Ewan Herdman played the young orphan Oliver Twist with a great sense of naivety. From the opening of “Food Glorious Food” you could see Ewan was a talented dancer and stood out amongst the children and teen ensemble. Vocally he was very strong, evidenced when he sang his solo in “Where is Love?” Ewan showed a clear understanding of what he was singing, displaying the right amount of passion to do the song justice.

Bridget Keating McIntosh played the loveable role of Nancy (previous employee of Fagin and now abused girlfriend of the villain, Bill Sykes) with raw emotion, conveying light and shade in the tough character. From the light (playing around with Fagin’s gang) in the fun number “I’d Do Anything”, to the darker emotional portrayal of an abused woman, who retains an independent conscience, trying to get Oliver back to his Grandfather after being forced to kidnap him. She sang “As Long As He Needs Me” with great feeling, and was rewarded with resounding applause. Playing the abusive villain, Bill Sykes, was Phil McIntosh. From the moment he entered the stage the mood of the show changed completely; the way he struck fear into all ensemble members onstage was powerful to see, and he brought a genuine menacing side to the role I hadn’t seen from others playing the same role.

Chae Rogan (barely recognisable) played the wickedly manipulative role of Fagin. Rogan really captured the essence of Fagin, and every nuance the character needed to have. Commanding the stage with each line, the audience were glued to his performance. This Fagin was darker, and less just an old man, than I have previously seen and it really worked. Rogan’s interpretation of “Reviewing the Situation“ was my highlight of the show.

All the Ensemble scenes were fun to watch and the choreography of the larger numbers by Sam Larielle-Rogan looked fantastic. The entire cast seemed to really kick their heels up and even the children’s cast showed of their dancing ability. Deserving special mention in the ensemble was Paul Oscuro, who played three different roles, most noticeably Noah Claypole, the Sowerberry’s assistant.

It was really great to see a quite different version of the classic musical. Engadine’s cast and Production Team should be commended for giving the audience something different but very entertaining.

Reviewed by James Russell

Photographer: Grant Leslie - Perfect Images.