ACT Reviews 2022-2023 Season

“Oliver!” gives equal work for both the ensemble and principals. The ensemble work has to receive a special credit. With the stage space being reduced by scenery teamwork is essential. Staging was clean, no blocking or crowding, and those numbers that start off small and build to full company were well executed. The Beadle of the parish, Mr Bumble, has an oversized passion for the Widow Corney. Mike Butterworth filled Bumble’s shoes. Maybe a little one more ‘togetherness’ would have completed the relationship with Sue Little who put everything into her characterisation of the shrewish Widow. The supporting

roles of Noah played by Fin Coulston and Charlotte played by Lily Mitchell stretched these young actors who delivered believable characters. Noah

and Charlotte are part of the

nasty Sowerberry household. Alan Lewis and Nicky Diggle played out successfully the undertaker and his matriarchal wife. Darkness is injected with the portrayals of Bet, Nancy, and Sikes. The role of Bet can be hit or miss but Ella Anderson brought her Bet alive. The original tart-with-a-heart, Nancy, has to be championed by the audience. Tyne Bayliss found and expressed all the emotions of the tragic heroine. Black-hearted Bill Sikes, steadfastly served by Nancy, thinks she has betrayed him and murders her. Chris Parkinson displayed the violent edge of Sikes. All that was burgled by Sikes was fenced through Fagin who runs a gang of youngsters used as petty thieves. Lionel Bart’s Fagin is a loveable