REVIEW
SOUTHEND Operatic and Dramatic Society
present
OLIVER!
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
9th - 12th November 2022
SOUTHEND Operatic and Dramatic Society
present
OLIVER!
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
9th - 12th November 2022
At the mention of Oliver! most rightly think of the foot-tapping, emotion rousing ‘musical’, rather than the 19th century Dickensian masterpiece from which it was borne. More’s the pity.
Lionel Bart’s time-tested favourite, the award winning Oliver!’s success surely lies in the compelling and intriguing plot and its inimitable characterisation, brought to life by Dickens’s creative genius.
Who can resist a tale of intrigue containing so many life resonating, sole-opera-sans cliches-theme? Such as, triumph of good over evil; rags to riches; good woman, bad man; a happily ever after ending (except for poor Nancy), together with the prophetic social commentary on the still ever-present, if not growing, issues of domestic violence and abuse; grooming minors and recruiting for child slavery; all sorts of ‘isms’ including anti-semitism; inequality: rich and poor (and ‘ow the 'uvva ‘alf live)?
Poverty in a time where life was one big crisis (never mind the cost of living crisis), and how one’s fate could/can easily change in a sexual, financial or psychological blink! (Sadly any of these could be the headline of today’s tabloids.)
On a much more upbeat note was the rousing performance, given by SODS in their most recent production of Oliver! from the steeply raked boards of the Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea.
The stars of the show? The cast of children, and not least Freddie Cathan in the titular role. Of course, predictably the stage sprung, if not burst, to life with a rousing rendition of “Food, Glorious Food” after a few bars of less than precisely synchronised movement and music, which, let's face it, is not ill-placed in such a rag tag bundle of superbly decked waifs and strays.
Each entry of the full chorus was accompanied by a surging lift of spirits in numbers such as "Consider Yourself", "Oom-Pah-Pah", "You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two", "It’s a Fine Life" and of course the aforementioned "Food, Glorious Food".
The principals all gave sterling performances. Nick Bright, contrary to his name was suitably dark in his offering as the menacing Bill Sikes.
Fagin, played by Ross Howard, was as slippery as an eel and yet loveable as a domestic puppy.
Two particular mentions should go to those playing Dodger and Nancy.
Bailey Montella (Artful Dodger) is a star in the making, worth watching as his potential towards ‘stage supernova’ is realised. In every way he lived up to his name, artfully delivering the demands of this role in song, dance and acting with a professionalism that defies his years - all while licking a fair few pockets. (On leaving ‘auditorium left’ I found myself mentally doing the leaving home ritual: wallet, phone, keys, watch, ‘kerchief!...)
Nancy, played by Jess Byford, gave a performance with a difference. The oft over caricatured Cockney Nancy, the rough diamond who’s had her share of hard shifts after ‘a hard paper-round’, was clearly present. However this was a Nancy who excellently captured the mellow, see good not bad, caring, loving at heart, Nancy. This shone through in the vocal discipline and restraint exercised while reserving the rip-roaring Cockney belt, that is so evidently in her vocal toolbox, for just the right moments. Bravo Jess Byford- a breath of fresh air.
The supporting cast and and company were all superb (apologies for such a collective comment). Your corporate contribution was huge and your professionalism notable but if I mention one I’d have to mention a lengthy-all. Suffice to say this production was line perfect, timing exact, gesture appropriate throughout. A band of unsung heroes if ever there was.
It would, however, be a poor omission not to make particular mention of Mr Sowerberry, played by Les Cannon (swiftly avoiding the tempting but all too obvious word play here). This portrayal of Mr Sowerberry was just such delicious icing-on-this-Oliver!-cake. Les Cannon’s contribution, although small, was virtually perfect; vocal quality, intonation, diction, timing and delivery, gesture and mannerism...masterful. I’m not surprised to read he has been ‘in this game’ for decades. Clearly he has made each year count for I’m convinced this performance would not be out of place in the most prestigious of stages. Congratulations Sir - (hat appropriately doubly doffed.)
The pit band were excellent, particularly in those almost unnoticed, intricate atmospheric interludes and scene changing moments.
If I have one small constructive comment to make it would be to the sound engineer. Sometimes less is more- not said harshly because overall a ‘blinding job’ (irony intended) was achieved.
I can’t help thinking a less engineered, in-your-face, more acoustic sound in general and specifically so during numbers such as "Who Will Buy?" and "Boy for Sale", would help achieve greater contrast and create increased emotional nuance. Only a thought.
Overall I loved this performance, with its fair sharing of uplifting, surprising, tender and inspiring moments. I thoroughly recommend this fresh and lively production of the old school musical, Oliver!
Review: Chas Sludden
Lionel Bart’s time-tested favourite, the award winning Oliver!’s success surely lies in the compelling and intriguing plot and its inimitable characterisation, brought to life by Dickens’s creative genius.
Who can resist a tale of intrigue containing so many life resonating, sole-opera-sans cliches-theme? Such as, triumph of good over evil; rags to riches; good woman, bad man; a happily ever after ending (except for poor Nancy), together with the prophetic social commentary on the still ever-present, if not growing, issues of domestic violence and abuse; grooming minors and recruiting for child slavery; all sorts of ‘isms’ including anti-semitism; inequality: rich and poor (and ‘ow the 'uvva ‘alf live)?
Poverty in a time where life was one big crisis (never mind the cost of living crisis), and how one’s fate could/can easily change in a sexual, financial or psychological blink! (Sadly any of these could be the headline of today’s tabloids.)
On a much more upbeat note was the rousing performance, given by SODS in their most recent production of Oliver! from the steeply raked boards of the Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea.
The stars of the show? The cast of children, and not least Freddie Cathan in the titular role. Of course, predictably the stage sprung, if not burst, to life with a rousing rendition of “Food, Glorious Food” after a few bars of less than precisely synchronised movement and music, which, let's face it, is not ill-placed in such a rag tag bundle of superbly decked waifs and strays.
Each entry of the full chorus was accompanied by a surging lift of spirits in numbers such as "Consider Yourself", "Oom-Pah-Pah", "You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two", "It’s a Fine Life" and of course the aforementioned "Food, Glorious Food".
The principals all gave sterling performances. Nick Bright, contrary to his name was suitably dark in his offering as the menacing Bill Sikes.
Fagin, played by Ross Howard, was as slippery as an eel and yet loveable as a domestic puppy.
Two particular mentions should go to those playing Dodger and Nancy.
Bailey Montella (Artful Dodger) is a star in the making, worth watching as his potential towards ‘stage supernova’ is realised. In every way he lived up to his name, artfully delivering the demands of this role in song, dance and acting with a professionalism that defies his years - all while licking a fair few pockets. (On leaving ‘auditorium left’ I found myself mentally doing the leaving home ritual: wallet, phone, keys, watch, ‘kerchief!...)
Nancy, played by Jess Byford, gave a performance with a difference. The oft over caricatured Cockney Nancy, the rough diamond who’s had her share of hard shifts after ‘a hard paper-round’, was clearly present. However this was a Nancy who excellently captured the mellow, see good not bad, caring, loving at heart, Nancy. This shone through in the vocal discipline and restraint exercised while reserving the rip-roaring Cockney belt, that is so evidently in her vocal toolbox, for just the right moments. Bravo Jess Byford- a breath of fresh air.
The supporting cast and and company were all superb (apologies for such a collective comment). Your corporate contribution was huge and your professionalism notable but if I mention one I’d have to mention a lengthy-all. Suffice to say this production was line perfect, timing exact, gesture appropriate throughout. A band of unsung heroes if ever there was.
It would, however, be a poor omission not to make particular mention of Mr Sowerberry, played by Les Cannon (swiftly avoiding the tempting but all too obvious word play here). This portrayal of Mr Sowerberry was just such delicious icing-on-this-Oliver!-cake. Les Cannon’s contribution, although small, was virtually perfect; vocal quality, intonation, diction, timing and delivery, gesture and mannerism...masterful. I’m not surprised to read he has been ‘in this game’ for decades. Clearly he has made each year count for I’m convinced this performance would not be out of place in the most prestigious of stages. Congratulations Sir - (hat appropriately doubly doffed.)
The pit band were excellent, particularly in those almost unnoticed, intricate atmospheric interludes and scene changing moments.
If I have one small constructive comment to make it would be to the sound engineer. Sometimes less is more- not said harshly because overall a ‘blinding job’ (irony intended) was achieved.
I can’t help thinking a less engineered, in-your-face, more acoustic sound in general and specifically so during numbers such as "Who Will Buy?" and "Boy for Sale", would help achieve greater contrast and create increased emotional nuance. Only a thought.
Overall I loved this performance, with its fair sharing of uplifting, surprising, tender and inspiring moments. I thoroughly recommend this fresh and lively production of the old school musical, Oliver!
Review: Chas Sludden
Photo Credit: Emma Stowe Photography
SOUTHEND Operatic and Dramatic Society hopes to have audiences wanting more when it stages the classic musical Oliver! next week.
The society – affectionately known as SODS – will be presenting the family favourite at the Palace Theatre in London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea from November 9-12.
Lionel Bart’s masterpiece tells the story of orphan Oliver Twist and his arrival in London, where he is taken in by a gang of pickpockets.
Oliver! is packed with well known songs, such as Food Glorious Food, Where Is Love?, Consider Yourself, Pick a Pocket or Two, As Long As He Needs Me and Who Will Buy?
“We’re really excited to be back on stage with another musical based on the works of Charles Dickens, following our success with Scrooge! last year,” said SODS general secretary Paul Alton.
“Oliver! is a fantastic show and we’ve got a great cast, including 67 children who have been split into two teams and will be playing the workhouse orphans and Fagin’s Gang.
“It’s been hard work with such a large cast, but everyone has been pulling out all the stops and the show is shaping up to be a cracker.”
Oliver! wowed West End audiences when it opened in 1960 and did the same on Broadway in 1963, before Bart’s musical was adapted for film in 1968.
It follows the progress of Oliver as he escapes the workhouse and an apprenticeship at an undertakers to run away to London.
He is taken under the wing of Fagin and his gang of pickpockets, that includes the Artful Dodger, and is trained in the art of stealing wallets and handkerchiefs.
While out with Dodger and Charley Bates, Oliver is caught picking Mr Brownlow’s pocket. He takes pity on the lad and takes him in.
But when the news reaches Fagin, Nancy and her partner Bill Sikes, they hatch a plot to kidnap Oliver and bring him back to Fagin’s den.
Will Oliver escape their clutches and return to Mr Brownlow, or will he succumb to a life of crime? Come along to the Palace Theatre and find out.
SODS production of Oliver! has evening performances at 7.30pm between Wednesday, November 9 to Saturday, November 12, with matinees at 2.30pm on Thursday, November 10 and Saturday, November 12.
Call 0343 310 0030 or visit www.southendtheatres.org.uk for more information and to book.
The society – affectionately known as SODS – will be presenting the family favourite at the Palace Theatre in London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea from November 9-12.
Lionel Bart’s masterpiece tells the story of orphan Oliver Twist and his arrival in London, where he is taken in by a gang of pickpockets.
Oliver! is packed with well known songs, such as Food Glorious Food, Where Is Love?, Consider Yourself, Pick a Pocket or Two, As Long As He Needs Me and Who Will Buy?
“We’re really excited to be back on stage with another musical based on the works of Charles Dickens, following our success with Scrooge! last year,” said SODS general secretary Paul Alton.
“Oliver! is a fantastic show and we’ve got a great cast, including 67 children who have been split into two teams and will be playing the workhouse orphans and Fagin’s Gang.
“It’s been hard work with such a large cast, but everyone has been pulling out all the stops and the show is shaping up to be a cracker.”
Oliver! wowed West End audiences when it opened in 1960 and did the same on Broadway in 1963, before Bart’s musical was adapted for film in 1968.
It follows the progress of Oliver as he escapes the workhouse and an apprenticeship at an undertakers to run away to London.
He is taken under the wing of Fagin and his gang of pickpockets, that includes the Artful Dodger, and is trained in the art of stealing wallets and handkerchiefs.
While out with Dodger and Charley Bates, Oliver is caught picking Mr Brownlow’s pocket. He takes pity on the lad and takes him in.
But when the news reaches Fagin, Nancy and her partner Bill Sikes, they hatch a plot to kidnap Oliver and bring him back to Fagin’s den.
Will Oliver escape their clutches and return to Mr Brownlow, or will he succumb to a life of crime? Come along to the Palace Theatre and find out.
SODS production of Oliver! has evening performances at 7.30pm between Wednesday, November 9 to Saturday, November 12, with matinees at 2.30pm on Thursday, November 10 and Saturday, November 12.
Call 0343 310 0030 or visit www.southendtheatres.org.uk for more information and to book.
