Oliver! Jr

Primadonna Productions’ youth presented the Australian Premiere of Oliver! Jr, a shortened version of this classic British musical that still contains all the highlights - and tells the story well. After a tricky rehearsal period that included not only a lockdown, but one cast member being caught on the “wrong side” of one of WA’s internal borders - this was brought to the stage with love, talent and bucket-loads of enthusiasm.

Simply set, the costuming looked lovely and set the era of the show nicely. Atmospheric lighting from Grace Crawford and efficient sound from Michael Rogers helped the show look and feel good.

Holly Creelman played her biggest role to date, singing beautifully and creating a believable and loveable Oliver. She worked very nicely with everyone in the cast - especially Adam McWhinnie, who was a dynamic Artful Dodger, and Alex Pestrucci, who brought maturity and understanding to Fagin.

Marnie Kelly is vocally lovely and brought beautiful facial expression to Nancy, her lovely lightness and warmth contrasting well with Steven Jones’ dark, brooding and very threatening Bill Sykes.

There was so much good work in smaller roles such as the animosity between Mr Bumble and Widow Corney (Max Bonner and Sarah Edmondstone), the teamwork between Dr Brownlow and Mrs Bedwin (Lauren Daniels and Mali Tucker), the sweetness of Bet (Anna Marias) and the cheeky charm of Charley Bates (Darien Peckover) to name but a few.

Six young people made community theatre debuts and I look forward to seeing further work from Ariarne McBraida, Bianca Franklin, Eva Collett, Heath Collard, Tiarna Collard and Millie Willis.

Despite the dark themes of this show - which this junior version maintains - this was a feel-good experience for audience and performers alike. A pleasure to watch.

Kimberley Shaw