We are delighted that our production of Oliver! was a complete sell out. We received excellent reviews from our audiences and are delighted to present our review from Noda below:

“The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions

OLIVER !
5th April 2018
Exeter Musical Society
Exeter Northcott Theatre
Musical
Director: Lyn Burgoyne
Musical Director: Alfie Pugh
Choreographer: Kathy Archer
As seen by Joyce Pomeroy

It was good to see that a musical that was premiered nearly sixty years ago can still fill a theatre the size of the Northcott for every performance.   This was an exciting production with a cast of experienced adults and enthusiastic and talented young people.

The junior chorus was in two teams and for this performance, the Red team was on stage.   They were well rehearsed, expressive and demonstrated a depth to the characters they were playing.  They moved and sang with confidence and their energy never faltered.  The adult chorus showed a good understanding of the story and moved well in the choreographed numbers.  Singing was of a high standard and with excellent diction.  There was a cohesion to Oliver !.   Strong direction and the commitment that was given by the cast, crew and production team resulting in a fabulous show.

There was a high degree of involvement and interaction between the various members of the cast. There can have been few members of the audience who were not familiar with the story but even so to have such clear diction, from everyone, whether in speech or singing, was a joy.   Fagin, as the lynchpin, showed a warmth and humanity beneath his outward sternness which made him a very believable character.   His young sidekick, the larger than life Dodger, was played by a young actor with a lovely voice and he had absorbed the character well.   Nancy a rough diamond, devoted and loyal to a man who continually abused her, was played with warmth and kindness by an actress with a  glorious voice.  Oliver looked vulnerable, so alone and hungry but demonstrating a strong spirit.  He was well played by the young actor who also sang superbly.  The wonderful Bullseye and his master made their menacing appearance. Fortunately, Bullseye was on stage each time briefly so did not detract from the iconic part of Bill Sykes which was so well played.  When a dog is cast in a production, they appear to relish the experience. One wonders if they enjoy their moment in the spotlight as much as we do.  Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney gave us light relief in this otherwise dark story. This musical was well cast and there were many others whose contribution was excellent. 

With Oliver! the number of actors on stage is often high, possibly making dance numbers tricky to plan.  The choreography was very entertaining and in particular in the pub and the workhouse was superb and well rehearsed.

The music in Oliver ! is well known and much loved.  The band was excellent and the good sound balance allowed us to fully enjoy it.  Both the adult and junior singing was very good.

Well done the costume department.  So many actors to clothe and they all looked right for the situation they were in   There were various social positions, from pauper to the gentry and the barroom girls and the make-up always looked correct.

Particularly impressive was the way the scenes were changed, often whilst an actor was singing and performing.  These changes were performed so smoothly that they were almost unnoticed and allowed the story to continue without interruption.   The lighting was most effective, with good contrasts,  giving a feeling of menace to some scenes.  

This production was of a high standard and much appreciated by the enthusiastic audience who rose to their feet at the end of the show.”

End of report.

Production Team

The production team for Oliver is:

Director – Lyn Burgoyne
Musical Director – Alfie Pugh
Choreographer – Kathy Archer

Cast List

OLIVER – Thomas Robinson and Jack Pool
DODGER – George Saunders and William Robinson.
FAGIN – Phil Ward
NANCY- Samantha Ottaway
BET – Sophie Smith
BILL SYKES – Robert Barker
MR BUMBLE – Nic Hake
WIDOW CORNEY – Rachel Barker
MR SOWERBERRY – Josiah Carrier
MRS SOWERBERRY – Tina Blaker
NOAH CLAYPOLE – Joe Quiruga
CHARLOTTE – Stephanie Yiannouka
MR BROWNLOW – Joe McNulty
MRS BEDWIN – Elaine Kingston

PAUPER SERVANTS – Daryl Wood, Bev Little, Jonny Robinson, Pippa Hill
Old Sally – Leslie
Rose Seller – Livi Crook
Milkmaid – Elizabeth Bialyk and Imogen Knott
Knife grinder – Jonny Robinson
Strawberry Seller – Sally Ewin

BULLSEYE will be played by Murray the dog.

Joining the society
If you are interested in being part of Exeter Musical Society please email: membership@exetermusicalsociety.com.