Review: Chesterfield Operatic Society shines in Oliver at the Pomegranate Theatre

Cute kids, great singers and dancers to rival any professional production - Chesterfield Operatic Society’s production of Oliver has winner written all over it.
Oliver presented by Chesterfield Operaic SocietyOliver presented by Chesterfield Operaic Society
Oliver presented by Chesterfield Operaic Society

The bare-footed orphan boys of the workhouse singing Food Glorious Food in perfect unison and the street-wise scamps in Fagin’s gang steal hearts with their commitment to the show and their love of performing.

Oliver was played with the right amount of tenderness and vulnerability by Max Henshaw at last night’s opening performance at the Pomegranate Theatre - with Daniel McGovern taking on the role at alternate performances.

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Robert Spencer gives a cracking performance as Fagin with young Liam Aston showing promise as Dodger.

Oliver presented by Chesterfield Operaic SocietyOliver presented by Chesterfield Operaic Society
Oliver presented by Chesterfield Operaic Society

Sarah Morrell is outstanding as Nancy, her signature song As Long As He Needs Me got the loudest cheer at the opening performance. Heath Parkin adds a dark layer as the violent Bill Sykes.

Karl Brennan and Dawn Melloy bring the house down as Mr Bumble and Widow Corney, being saucy and seductive in the first half then bickering like an old married couple in the second.

Oliver is directed by Phil Simcox with musical direction by Jonathan Francis and choreography by Julie Metcalfe and Paula Wilson.

It runs until Saturday, November 29.