THE 77-strong cast of Bath Light Operatic Group have made a triumphant return to Bath Theatre Royal’s main stage with the sure-fire hit musical Oliver!
BLOG made a welcome return to the stage to perform Lionel Bart’s classic, one of the most loved musicals of all time, appearing at the Theatre Royal Bath to Saturday, September 16.
Based on Charles Dickens’ well-known novel, Oliver Twist, published in 1838, Oliver! tells the story of the workhouse boy who dared to ask for more.
When it’s not forthcoming, he runs away and becomes one of Fagin’s gang of street urchins, who tries to pick a pocket or two, but gets caught.
As Bill Sikes’ lover Nancy risks everything to save him, Oliver is reunited with his true family.
Right from the curtain up, BLOG brings the streets of Victorian London vividly to life in this hugely popular family show, filled with some of Dickens’ most iconic characters.
They include the cruel and pompous workhouse boss Mr Bumble, the sinister undertakers Sowerberrys, the Artful Dodger Jack Dawkins, the conniving but charismatic Fagin, brutal Bill Sikes and warm-hearted Nancy.
Lionel Bart’s sensational score features some of the best-known songs in musical theatre including Consider Yourself, Food Glorious Food, I'd Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah and As Long as He Needs Me.
The large cast features 35 adults from Bath and the surrounding area, and 44 children, who are divided into two sets - Team Dickens and Team Bart - sharing the experience of performing across the run.
They are joined by Doris, the English Bull Terrier, making her debut as Bill Sikes’ faithful dog, Bullseye.
In Tuesday’s opening night, the title role of Oliver! was played by Charlie Alonso, who shares the role with Jack Parsonage, while the role of the Artful Dodger was played by William Millard, who shares the role with James Flintoff.
Poppy Rhys Jones played Charley Bates, while Team Dickens appeared as the workhouse children and Fagin’s gang.
Nick Feierabend ably reprises the role of the brutal thief and menacing murderer Bill Sikes, having previously performed in Oliver! with Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society (BODS) in 2017 at Hayesfield School's Roper Theatre.
The role of the mischievous and conniving thief, Fagin, is played by Geoff White, who is rightly a huge favourite with Bath audiences, having performed with BLOG at the Theatre Royal for more than 40 years.
Harriet Lowe, who plays the role of Nancy, was making her debut with BLOG, having previously performed with Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society and the Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance, and looks to have a bright future with the group.
There were also lovely performances from Harry Burt as Mr Bumble, Lou Ruddle as Widow Corney, Ed Corbishley as Noah Claypole, Matthew Brock and Katie Goldsmith as Mr and Mrs Sowerberry, and Aimee Corbett as Charlotte Sowerberry.
Production director Tristan Carter, musical director Matthew Finch, and choreographer Lizzie Andrews, made the most of the talented cast to produce some confident acting and singing performances and entertaining and energetic dance routines.
I also loved the staging, costumes and lighting, with a set that was easy to re-arrange to suit the different scenes.
One of the most acclaimed amateur companies in the region, BLOG has achieved much critical success in previous years, winning many awards for the quality of its productions.
On this showing, I wouldn’t bet against them winning yet another Rose Bowl award for a rousing performance from a largely young cast backed by some talented and experienced adults.
Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk
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