Oliver

I went to see this production on the Sunday matinee. I very much enjoyed the production, In particular I felt that the stage setting of Koorlingy arts centre gave us theatre lovers a chance to get up close and personal with the actors, and immerse ourselves in the show. (For those that have never been there the stage is very low to the ground with the audience seating staggered upwards looking down over the set) The set & lighting were a complex design but the crew seemed to work the props to perfection. Swift set changes allowed the story to flow. However I could hear some noise from props coming back stage which sometimes took away from the performers on the stage. Costumes - were appropriate and looked good. Sound was good - I was impressed that not all performers need to use microphones. As sometimes this was a little scratchy but overall very well done. It allowed us to hear the softer voices of the children lead characters. I think the music was live. We could not see a pianist however I am sure this was played live and was a credit to the person playing. The cast was quite strong as an ensemble; Highlights were the 2 children leads. As they both carried off their roles beautifully for such young children. Also Chantal who played Nancy had a strong singing voice. Another highlight was Jon Lambert who played Fagin and also the character that played Bill Sikes fufilled the role as the villian very well. Overall, a very entertaining, accomplished and thought-provoking performance - do head to Kwinana to catch the last three shows of Oliver even if it is to see the new talent that is coming up through the ranks.