Cameron Blakely in Oliver! at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury. Picture: Philip Tull
Oliver! continues at the Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury until 19 September.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
With embryonic rumours that Cameron Mackintosh has been trying to produce a film revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! and the previous national production having finished touring in 2013, it is as timely as Fagin’s collection of pocket watches that the Watermill should launch the show as its 2015 summer musical production.
Directed by the astute and ingenious Luke Sheppard, supported by a top-notch design team embracing musical arrangements (Paul Herbert), set (Tom Rogers), lighting (Howard Hudson), sound (Tom Marshall) and sharp, punchy choreography from Tim Jackson, this production delivers a powerful punch from start to finish.
As part of the Watermill’s Outreach programme, the three teams of children are drawn from the local community rather than stage schools, giving the scenes an unspoilt charm befitting the Oliver! orphans. They have been regimentally rehearsed with simple yet hugely effective choreography and a commanding opening number in ‘Food Glorious Food’.
The children have the added advantage of working with a highly talented cast of professional actor-musicians from Tomm Coles as the unsavoury Mr Sowerberry and his wife (Rhona McGregor), Rachel Dawson as the skittish Bet, Joey Hickman as the young bullying Noah Claypool, Steve Watts as the kindly Mr Brownlow and Deborah Hewitt as Charlotte.
Alice Fearn gives a phenomenally powerful rendition of ‘As Long As He Needs Me’, expressing the strength and vulnerability of Nancy, and Cameron Blakely is as near to the archetypal interpretation of Fagin as is humanly possible, skilfully balancing the sleazy dishonesty of the elderly thief with an empathy that transfers to the audience.
Graham Lappin and Susannah van den Berg create a brilliant double act as Mr Bumble and Mrs Corney and Kit Orton portrays the understated brutality of Bill Sikes as a remorseless criminal.
Once again the limitations of the Watermill’s setting are pushed to their full potential with an expertly designed set and the enchanting outside space being put to good use. Could this be the next national tour or West End transfer for this inspirational production house?
Julie Watterston
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