CURTAIN CALL REVIEW

‘OLIVER!’

Southampton Operatic Society & Debut Youth Theatre

The Nuffield

Lionel Bart’s musical, given a twist here by combining the talents of two local companies, saw the adults leading the way, performance-wise, as can be expected. Casting company-debutante Kerrie Butcher was a master-stroke by Director Roger Lamb as she guarantees believable acting and a stunning singing voice. Whether leading the large cast in the rousing Oom Pah Pah, It’s a Fine Life or, particularly, the emotionally reprised As Long As He Needs Me, Kerry delivered. Jo Mawby (Oliver) represented the youngsters well but was over-shadowed by Jonathan Fulcher (Fagin), Mike Pavitt (Mr Bumble) and Susie Maycock (Widow Corney). Tony Lehrle-Fry was an assured Mr Brownlow and James Gould a suitably menacing Bill Sykes. Sound was good, set looked great but with some scene-change problems, costumes appropriate but too clean for street urchins, surely? As with Ms Butcher, Nigel Finch’s presence, as Musical Director, guarantees a top class performance and this was no exception.

Alan Johns