Hello world! Welcome back to the blog. This is my review of Oliver, which I went to see on 12th August 2023.
This version was performed by MJH productions. This is an amateur dramatics theatre company owned by Matthew Hewitt, an experienced performer and my former college lecturer.
After performing in previous shows with this company, which feature Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, I could not miss this opportunity to be the they’re watcher rather than the performer.
I was surprised by the talent that came with this cast, and there were many members who stood out for me. Here are a few of those stars!
I won’t name them all but one of the two people in particular that stood out for me was Maxwell Hayward! He played one of Fagins gang and you can tell he’s a dancer. That turn sequence he did during “Consider Yourself” was literally something you see in shows like Newsies! It was impeccable! If he’s not on the west end by the end of this year then that’s a job I need to get onto!
Another person that stood out for me was Tobias Bruce, and he blew me away! He played The Artful Dodger, and it boggled my mind that he is only 13 and was able to perform at such a professional standard! I know in his programme he mentioned training, which does play a huge part to it, but for a boy of his age to do that is extraordinary! Well done Tobias!
Annie Barrett was also a favourite. I had the honour of performing alongside her in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat when we were 2 of the 11 brothers. In this production she played the role of Nancy, and after that show I can see why. I know she’s already fantastic singer, and really good with children, which does play a huge part in a kids heavy show like Oliver. But her voice really stood out for me, as I knew she meant every word of “As Long as he needs me”.
Of course I have to praise Finley Halliday for his part in playing the titular role of the show. I had the honour of being his “brother” in last years show, and he did not disappoint. I can see why he got the role, as his innocent and sweet personality really made the character his own. I was surprised I didn’t cry during “Where Is Love?” and “Who Will Buy?” As they are two both emotional numbers. Mainly I think it’s because Oliver has been unloved for so long, he’s starting to wonder if it’s a dream rather than reality. That's my opinion anyway :)
The ensemble in this show played a crucial part. They each all had their own characters and little character moments. These included the sellers in “who will buy?” (Two of which sell roses and ripe strawberries). I’ve also noticed that one girl in particular had headphones on. It was revealed by my friend who I saw at the end that she was autistic, and how she wouldn’t even come into the room to begin with but gradually found her feet. I thought this was a privilege, as I know a lot of people will question, but once you get to know the situation (providing that they or their loved ones are okay to mention it) you will get the full story. This is also giving more autistic children a chance to do something a lot of people in general would tell them otherwise. A couple of my Friends did question why she could’ve used headphones to blend in with the show rather than her bright ones, but maybe she felt comfortable with those headphones and therefore different ones might throw her off.
In some ways I’m glad I wasn’t in the show, as when I initially auditioned I knew I didn’t really want to do it, and when I didn’t get what I wanted, it sealed my answer as I know I’m more than an ensemble. That might be controversial what I said, as the ensemble in professional shows are important too, but because with this being an amateur company and with those who we’re ensemble not being needed for most of the rehearsal (which is what I was told), I definitely dodged a bullet (no pun intended). But I’m glad I did watch it.
I think the only downside to the show was between the end of act 1 and the start of Act 2. This was due to having a longer interval than planned after only having two toilets in the church. The only other toilets they had were the portaloos. I get that they had a budget and couldn't get everyone's needs, but after a certain period of time I felt a bit agitated. But that was my only negative throughout the whole of the experience. The show was the main attraction for me and it did not disappoint.
Overall, despite abit of rain on the way back (which you might be able to spot glimpses of it on my jacket in the picture below), it was a really good show to see! Packed with a brilliant, cast, and an equally talented crew that brought the whole thing together, and definitely proved popular with the audience. I can't wait to see what this company bring next! Will I be in the next production? Only time will tell...
See you soon for another blog. Until next time...
This is the Autistic Actress signing off :)
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