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.

Well Lionel Bart’s Oliver directed by Cat Baxter and performed at the Koorliny arts centre was a interesting production to watch. As a lover of all things theatre entering the auditorium for the first time I had a small surprise, (to tell you the truth I did arrive at the venue with a slight stigma about the area and stories I had heard about Kwinana’s intermit seating arrangement) so I was a bit apprehensive about how they would pull of this type of production in such a small space. But as I entered the space It was a lot larger than what I had expected (later I found out there was two theatres and this was the larger of the two) but I digress. Once entering the theatre I was greeted with a pre set stage of the work house which wet my appetite for the performance, viewing what was onstage I slowly began to see if I could pick how they were going to do their scene changes and try to envisage what effects they would use, I always do this, it’s just a natural habit, but one thing I must say that did catch my eye is when I looked up into the lighting truss I was extremely impressed with the lighting plan, you don’t normally see that many lights rigged in such a conformed way in amateur theatre, so this gave me an slight jolt of excitement as to this show might actually be a quality production. The show started with an abundance of energy, the first song food glorious food an ever classic of Oliver, was exciting and helped build the suspense of the production. I would have to say the fist person to take my eye was Mr Bumble (David Nelson) he was a delight to watch on stage I still have not quite fingered out if he actually has an accent or was it staged, it was a tuff one to pick so well done, I’m still scratching my head, Widow Corney (Marion Younge) was a laugh I did enjoy her in “I shall scream!” especially the head in the chest moment it’s good to see you not a shy lady, or that song may have lost it’s pizzaz! The young girl who played Oliver “Elouise Kirk” was such a delight to watch on stage, she really managed to capture the humbleness of Oliver, even though she must have done these scenes over and over again, she managed to make us feel like she was really experiencing and meeting all these strange situations and characters for the first time. Next up we had the Artful dodger “Ashlea Tunbridge” i say have you never seen a Toff?, the artful dodger in this production was an extreme delight, watching this young man on stage was one of inspiration and possibilities, his performance was easily one of my favorites for the entire show, I believe this young man will definitely go far, although I would say that my only slight bit of constructive criticism would be he did look a little uncomfortable dancing and signing, now dodger if you read this don’t take it personally it just my perspective, while you said your lines you were extremely fluid and your movement was great but as soon as the music started you seemed to tense up and become quite stiff and lost eye contact with the audience this was a slight shame as I wanted to see the Dodger, dodge and weave, but your performance was still one of greatness and I have a feeling, along with all the little old ladies who were sitting in front of me”, that the young boy playing the artful dodger is going to do some great things.” So I will be keeping my eye out. Well the next character was one that did seem to get the audience talking the ever classic Fagin (John Lambert) well I must say I have seen many different versions of Oliver Recently and have scene many a Fagin fail quite dismally, but I am extremely happy to say on this occasion it certainly was not the case, while he was no Ron Moody (the actor who played Fagin in the movie), you were Fagin! The moment he stepped onto the stage there seemed to be a lift of energy, not only on the stage but in the audience, after his first line the sound of programs being flipped through was quite a noise, I would say that you had an extremely brilliant characterization of Fagin although at times I felt like maybe a small bit of Johnny Depp’s, Captain Jack Sparrow was oozing out here and there, added was also the report between Fagin and the children there seemed to be just a natural bond on stage that just added to the scenes all in all a very rounded performance. But who could forget the ever scary and menacing Bill Sikes (Peter Carr) his portrayal of Bill Sikes was that of intensity and strength, the Argument between Bill, Nancy and Fagin was one that excited me and scared me also well done to Nancy (Janine Bramlle) you managed to create such a warm and caring character that was a delight to watch on stage. Well done to the stage crew and technical team, the lighting at the end of the day was extremely effective and really helped make the scenes atmosphere be felt by the audience, and the sets were extremely well conceived and constructed and used to what I felt was their full functional potential, personally I would like to say thank you to Cat Baxter for brining such a fantastic production to life and I have enjoyed your vision you brought to the stage, I must admit I can’t wait to see what you come out with next.. Keep up the good work

I agree with all the comments. I saw the Saturday night show and thoughly enjoyed it. I watched Oliver played by Tayla Spence who was a delight to watch on stage and caputred us into the world of Oliver. She had great characterisations. I also got to see Nancy Played by Chantel Bell who had a strong presence on the stage when she entered. The children seemed to gravitate towards her.There was also a young child who I could not take my eyes off in Fagins den. He was full of character and seemed to be loving his time on the stage. I think from memory he was one of the youngest on set. As for Fagin he owned that role well done to Jon. Goodwork KTW.

I also saw the Sunday Matinee show. I was overwhelmed by the professionalism of the show as me too had an expectation that the show would be less that professional in its venue. I too found the theatre to be a great place to stage such a performance. I sat down to the show which started a little late and the audience began to get a little chatty. Today their seemed to be a number of small children in the audience which i guess one would expect for a childrens show and since it was on during the day. The first number food glorious food was performed with great gust. The children entered from around the theatre which was a great way to start as you did not expect them to come from here. Bumble today had a little trouble with his voice, which you could hear every now and then however he managed to still sing his songs with gusto and loved the "I shall scream song". Oliver today was performed by "Tayla Spence". It is ashame that it was a girl performing but I do realise it is hard to find a young boy who can sing the songs and look angelic. She did a good job of making us believe she was a boy. This young lady managed to drawn the audience into Oliver and make me believe that she was truly an Orphan. Her first song "Where is love" made me believe she was really alone and upset. I think she may have even shed a tear which is a huge feat for such a young child. We were then introduced to the next young actor being that Of "Ashley Tunbridge" this young boy really made the character of Dodger. His voice, appearance his charisma. Well done to this child. In walks Fagin. How can we go past such a lovely part. Jon took on this role with passion and really had a lovely way with the children, which you could tell by the way they interacted with him on the stage. The children who were in this scene were able to perform for the whole time even if the focus was not on them. They kept acting the whole time. The show was staged and pieced together beautifully with the sets reflecting the true professionalism of the show. Another character that I cannot go past is Sikes. Peter took on the role and lead me and alot of the front row of the audience to believe he really was a villian. I enjoyed watching people jump as he sang his song. Great show, great props, great cast, great lighting. Well done to all..

Glad all agree

Just want to say how very proud she is of Chantel and what an amazing portrayal of Nancy. Your voice was remarkable and one day girl you will make it. I have faith in you. To all the other actors I congratulate you on a job well done and you all should be very proud.

Oh my god this show blew my mind. Lighting; sets and stage presence of such young children. Well done to a Director who can bring stories to life. I saw Seussical last year too and I thought that was good but this was absolutely fantastic.I cant wait to see what else she directs. Well done to the two main children leads who were extremely believable and to all the children who looked like they were having so much fun. I have to say that Fagin, although not completely traditional had me from the first hand shake. I could go on but just fantastic. Thank you a great afternoon entertainment.

I enjoyed the show so much.. the children were all fantastic. The lead children were awesome so much talent. Well done to Tayla and Ashleigh.. Fagin was a favourite too, from the moment he walked in he had me and the rest of the audience wanting more... Favourite songs of show, where is love and Oompa Pa... Well done enjoy the rest of your shows..