Oliver!

There’s wonderful music and a timeless quality about Oliver! that is a delight if done well, and PLOS does it very well indeed. From the second the curtain rises on Brenton Staples spectacular set, a star in its own right (using trucks and revolves and moving staircases), you are drawn into Dickens’ iconic tale of poverty and salvation.

The chorus of children are quite remarkable and probably the best I have ever seen. Not only do they sing astonishingly well, given the age of some of them, but their unison ensemble movements (simply but effectively choreographed by Leah Osburn, whose work excels throughout the show) are remarkable and perfectly rehearsed.

Young Finton McCrave (11 years old but looking much younger) makes a lasting impression as Oliver. He brings great presence and bravado to the role, along with impeccable diction, super professionalism, and a beautiful boy soprano voice. His rendition of “Where is Love” brought tears to many of the audience.

Ollie Culshaw is a splendid Dodger, though he could afford to be even cheekier once he settles into the role. The irony is not lost that a boy called Oliver is playing the Artful Dodger.

Elise Stevens is a powerful Nancy – and how nice to see a buxom woman in the role, so reminiscent of Sheila Bradley, the original Nancy in Australia. Elise has had 11 years away from the stage and so it’s not surprising that she pushes a little too hard, too full on in places. Yet she is never less than impressive and will no doubt find her level as the run continues.

Cameron Sweatman’s Bill Sykes is suitably full of frightening menace, yet without the physical build we expect of the role. John Tacey (Mr Bumble) and Shirley Bowen (Widow Corney) are excellent together and young Amalia Foy (Bet) is a real find, bringing a delightful stage presence and voice to the production. There are no weaknesses at all in the rest of the cast, and the ensemble are impressive throughout.

Mike Fletcher simply IS Fagin…better IMHO than Jonathan Pryce on Broadway and the equal of Ron Moody on stage some fifty years ago. Mike is already a multiple award winner from the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria and, if there’s any justice, he’ll be taking home one more award at the end of the year. He primps, he preens, he’s delightfully caring and wickedly manipulative, and overall endearing to the kids and audience alike, but there’s always the hint of the unscrupulous just under the surface. His two big musical numbers were the highlight of the show and lifted the show from fine community theatre status to professional production. Fletcher isn’t just blessed with talent; he knows his stagecraft and has both finesse and charisma as an added bonus.

With Brad Alcock’s fabulous lighting, terrific sound from Steve Cooke to augment the sensational setting; and excellent musical direction from Anthony Bingham, this is a first class production that you won’t want to miss.

Coral Drouyn

Images: Fletcher Photography.