Show: Oliver Twist!
Location: Storyhouse, Chester
Date: Saturday, December 11th, 2021; runs until January16th
Time: 2.00
Running Time: 95 minutes
Age Rating: 8+
Performers: Rosey Dight; Cynthia Emeagi; Matthew Ganley; Liz Jadav; Jessica Jolleys; Milton Lopes; Keshini Misha; Claire-Marie Seddon; Adam Speers
Production Company: Storyhouse Original Production
Adaptation: Alex Clifton
Director: Kash Arshed
Musical Director: Matthew Ganley
Sound Design: Chris Bogg
Lighting Design: Martha Godfrey
Movement Director & Assistant Director: Rhianne Stubbs
Designer: Elizabeth Wright
Oliver Twist!
Description
Even during the season of good will, it’s quite an ask, to try and please all of the people all of the time but that is what Storyhouse sets out to do. To have any chance of succeeding, the first requirement is that every Jack and Jill in the cast must master all kinds of skills, and they trade on this admirably, from acting, singing and dancing to playing musical instruments and acrobatics, notably in a delightful Man in the Moon sequence, courtesy of Milton Joves, who deserves massive applause all round for whatever he does.
Talking of adaptations, the musicians put their very heart and soul into it; grandparents must have been thrilled with the largely effective, vibrantly played songs: the Jam; Buzzcocks, Madness etc, so no point quibbling that these seem a strange choice for a family show, particularly as it has no qualms at all about referencing the present day from Marvel movies to far from marvellous politics. It was also lovingly and ingeniously choreographed, and the setting ranged from Fagin’s gloomy den to the bustling streets of London with charming old fashioned shop fronts, plus Christmas decorations at the end. As well as trapdoors for Fagin to materialise in her gaudy, gorgeous crimson costume, such a contrast to the demure gowns of Nancy and Rose, Mr Brownlow (Adam Speers) being equally splendid. Even the dreaded audience participation was amusingly done, from witty comments to actually expecting people to do mental arithmetic.
Analysis
OK, I’m not a fan of Dickens, although when adapting anything, a great storyteller is a must: an irreverent and innovative version has been bestowed upon us. Besides, many of his characters are cariacatures anyway, translating simply enough from page to stage, especially with pantomime. However, you also have to contend with Jumbo stumbling and lumbering around the room; blithely ignoring any problems is one way of doing it, to ensure everybody lives happily, if improbably, ever after. Apart from Bill Sykes and Fagin of course.
One excellent touch was highlighting similarities with the traditional, for example Fagin uses a magic wand, and makes out she’s a Fairy Godmother or Good Fairy, while Milton Joves’ Mrs Sowerberry is an original and flamboyant Dame. Unfortunately, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a play where the hero’s presence is so neglible; and Oliver is so downcast, no idea whether he’s played by Jacob Collinson or Reuben Connor. Poor thing, frequently described as pretty and sad, he’s little more than that, whether down in the dumps with Fagin’s gang or in the lap of luxury with his grandfather. By contrast – and what a contrast; Keshini Misha as the Artful Dodger, snatches the laurels, dancing rings around him, and everybody else, and not half bad on the violin as well; a stand out performance, and multi talented match for Milton Joves; never mind cameos, sparking jewels, both of them.
Other Notes
Liz Jadav is wonderfully and comically quirky as the undertaker, Sowerberry, but could be said to undermine the role by doing virtually exactly the same thing as the doctor, using a heavy German accent which renders much of the dialogue incomprehensible. However, all the children do a marvellous job as the gang of pickpockets, and we get two resolute and resilient heroines for the price of one in Jessica Jolleys and Claire-Marie Seddon as Nancy and Rose respectively (the latter playing bully Noah with such relish you itched to slap her). As for the two villains, excellence again from Matthew Ganly as the bumptious Mr Bumble and the evil Bill Sikes, and a nifty guitar player too… and Cynthia Emeagi, the sinister, hypocritical, shifty Fagin.
Summary
Well, I’m certainly not going to end by insisting that this is a Dickens of a show… but no need to twist anybody’s arm to come along to enjoy something so exuberant. It’s the one to pick: magical and unmissable. And you will want more…
Overall Rating: 8.5/10 – Excellent
Oliver Twist! Further Link
You can buy now tickets now for Oliver Twist! at Storyhouse Chester.
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