27/05/2024 - Review by Alexa Moore
I recently attended a packed production of Oliver! at the Churchill Theatre for opening night, performed by WWOS (West Wickham Operatic Society). The Churchill has been a gem of South East London for many years, with most having seen a show or two in the past.
As my fellow theatregoers took their seats, I took the time to admire the opening workhouse set, which was left on display as the auditorium filled up. This has become a popular trend in recent times, and it certainly worked here. I was particularly drawn to the ominous "God is Love" sign that loomed over the stage, setting the tone for the performance.
Synopsis
'Oliver is a young orphan living in Victorian England. After escaping a workhouse and an abusive apprenticeship, he finds himself amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets, and so begin Oliver's whirlwind adventures and his search to find the true love of a family.'
The production was full-scale, with a sizeable industrial-like set and a 12-piece orchestra led expertly by Musical Director Anne Greenidge. The performance started with a bang, showcasing the expressive talents of the child cast in 'Food Glorious Food'.
The effective choreography by Danielle Grant kept the production moving at an incredible pace. As the first number concluded, it was clear that the audience was in for a unique and impressive experience. Jake Wimpenny's angelic voice was perfect for the role of Oliver, while Henry Williams, as the Artful Dodger, was a standout performer, capturing the audience with his charisma and charm.
Just a note - Oliver, Dodger, and the rest of the child ensemble were split into two different teams, each participating in three performances out of a total of six. I watched the performance by 'Team Dawkins'. However, I've heard nothing but exceptional praise for 'Team Twist', as well as for both Oliver (Joseph Warrington) and Dodger (Oliver Clayton).
The adult cast was a force to be reckoned with Andy Moore's portrayal of Fagin was a masterclass in character acting, and Gabrielle Onyett's performance as Nancy was nothing short of outstanding. They both brought the house down with their powerful renditions of 'Reviewing The Situation' and 'As Long as He Needs Me'. Ollie Kenny's portrayal of Bill Sykes was chilling, his presence casting an uneasy shadow over every scene.
Photographs by Bob Faint
Kevin Gauntlett doubled as Director and Mr. Bumble, doing a commendable job at both. The onstage chemistry and 'cattiness' between him and his dance partner, Mrs Bumble, played by Tracy Prizeman, was an absolute hoot.
The choreography and ensemble performances were commendable, executed with precision and energy. However, at times, the stage felt a bit crowded, which slightly detracted from the overall impact of the scenes.
A special mention for a particular number - "Who Will Buy." This was a great way to showcase individual cast members. Sian Davis's crystal-clear vocals as the Milkmaid really stood out to me. I would have loved to have heard more from her. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable production with high standards across all areas, setting a high bar for the upcoming West End production of Oliver.
This is the first show to receive a five-star rating from The AmDram Observer, and what a show it was.
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