THE JIGSAW Players’ production of Oliver delighted the audience at Bromsgrove’s Spadesbourne Suite from the opening number to the finale.
Food Glorious Food generating loud applause from the crowd, set a high standard for things to come and the level was maintained for the rest of the show.
Among the highlights in the first half were the humorous duet I Shall Scream between Mr and Mrs Bumble (Ken Messenger and Maggie Stone) and I’ll do Anything.
But the best was clearly the cast’s rendition of Consider Yourself – the choreography for that was faultless and it had the audience clapping along to show their appreciation.
There was more of the same in the second half with the emotive scenes towards the end where Sykes catches up with Nancy and the police catch up with him standing out – you could hear a pin drop in the auditorium during those pivotal moments.
Cast-wise, Darcie-Ella Eglesfield was brilliant as lovable rogue Oliver, earning plenty of empathy from those watching.
Tam Weir was fittingly evil as villain Bill Sykes and Phoebe Fletcher was great as the Artful Dodger.
But the pick of the performances were by Kevin Ward as Fagin and Catherine Tabberner as Nancy.
Ward was excellent in the role of gang leader, dominating the stage with several solos, most notably Pick a Pocket or Two.
And Tabberner is an unbelievable vocal talent who would not look out of place on an even bigger stage. Her pitch-perfect range was showcased to the full – from the more quirky numbers of Oom-Pah-Pah and I’ll Do Anything to the testing As Long as he Needs Me.
The orchestra was also key to this production, keeping things ticking over and bridging the gaps during several lengthy scene changes.
Overall this was another great show put together by director Maggie Bishton. It had everything and – unlike the requests made by Oliver – you could not have asked for any more.
The remaining performances take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (March 27, 28 and 29).
They will begin at 7pm each evening with matinees on the Saturday – at 1.30pm and the Sunday – at 4pm.
Tickets are £10.
To book or for any more information, email drama50@hotmail.co.uk or call 077726 45722 or 07919 505764.
