Oliver! as presented by Encore Performing Arts Academy

ENCORE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY 

OLIVER

THE ALLEY THEATRE STRABANE, 11th April to 20th April 2024

ADJUDICATION PERFORMANCE MATINEE SATURDAY 20th April 

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Encore Performing Arts Academy production of "Oliver" at The Alley Theatre in Strabane for my second adjudication of this lovely company. The Front of House team was excellent on arrival. Everyone is made to feel so welcome and comfortable, just like a family. It's always a pleasure to attend a show when the front-of-house team is confident and assured in their roles, smiling like the stars in the sky. Congratulations to the team for doing an excellent job! The show was a fantastic production, filled once more with talented performers who brought their A-game to the stage. From the opening number to the final bow, the audience was not just treated to a theatrical experience, they were also part of it, feeling the emotions and being invested in the story. I was back amongst these lovely people again, which was so beautiful. Thank you. 

The Director was Rebecca Thompson. The production was a feast for the senses, from the opening number to the final bow. The staging was creative and practical, transporting the audience to Victorian-era London. The cast was superb, with each member delivering solid performances throughout the show. She brought a clear and vivid vision to the production, and her meticulous attention to detail was evident everywhere. The pacing was perfect, with each scene flowing seamlessly into the next. The balance between the musical numbers and dialogue was expertly handled, ensuring the audience remained engaged and invested in the story. Ms. Thompsons' vision, attention to detail, and gift for skilful direction brought this production to life, and the result was a truly memorable theatrical experience. 

The Musical Director was Mr Gerard Bradley. Mr Gerard Bradley did an excellent job. He led the orchestra with skill and calmness ensuring that the music flowed beautifully throughout the show. The songs were well-arranged and complemented the action on stage perfectly. Again, I must mention Mr. Bradley's guidance when conducting the children was very good, and there was a profound empathy between Mr. Bradley and the cast, both adults and children. This was palpable in the performers' exceptional vocal skills and expressions. I specifically mention the accompaniment for “Who Will Buy” and the gorgeous emotionally filled “As Long as he needs me.” 

Ms Rebecca Thompson, who also served as the show's director, was responsible for the choreography, and her talent was evident in every dance number. The choreography was creative and innovative, and the children were so young, and yet they moved so beautifully around the stage, like the little stars that they were. Every time they had movement in their songs, they performed the moves flawlessly and were as cute as buttons! Ms Thompson's ability to bring out the best in her performers was commendable, and her dedication to choreography was evident throughout the production. I loved “Consider Yourself,” “Food Glorious Food,” and” Oom – Pah – Pah.” Overall, the choreography was excellent. 

The Stage Manager was Ian Thompson. The sets were very good. I could see the intricacies of the set, and the slightest attention to detail, such as the natural water feature in the fountain of rock, was a beautiful addition that added a touch of elegance to the stage. The sets were cleverly recycled from other shows, which was impressive and eco-friendly. Mr Thompson's attention to detail was remarkable, with intricate painting and small details that made everything look polished and professional. The handkerchief hanging in Fagin's lair added a beautiful collage of colours that perfectly complemented the set. The bridge was another picturesque addition to the production, and it was built solidly with great attention to detail. Overall, the sets were lovely and greatly added to the production.

The lighting for this production was excellent. It created a perfect scene atmosphere and added to the overall experience. The lighting was not too bright or too dim but just right. It highlighted the adults and the children on stage very well. Very well done here, team lighting. 

The sound for this production was also excellent. The sound levels were balanced, and everything was clear and audible. The sound effects were spot on. The music was well-mixed, and the vocals were clear and easy to understand. 

The costumes were impressive. They were well-designed and again perfectly reflected the Victorian-era London setting of the show. The colourful costumes worn by the children in their chorus numbers added a touch of joy and a lovely sense of innocence to the production. 

The makeup was good. The hair was also styled to suit each character and the period, and again, in this area, the attention to detail was impressive, with each performer's hair and makeup suitable for the era.

Each prop reflected the period and setting of the show. There were many handcrafted props, and they were impressive. The props were minimal, yet attention to detail was excellent, such as Mr Brownlow's books, Sykes ' evil-looking weapon that he carried, which looked dark and dangerous, Fagin's jewellery box and the beautiful bouquets in Who Will Buy. 

Ronan Drummond played the part of Fagin. Mr Drummonds’ performance of Fagin was good. He brought a sinister quality to the character that made him both captivating and repulsive, yet a paternal element one could also see in his care of Oliver when he arrived in Fagin’s lair. Mr Drummond acted very well in this role. He had a great costume. His delivery of the dialogue was sharp and witty, and he had a commanding presence on stage that drew the audience's attention. His movements were calculated and added to the overall effect of the character. 

Aimee Kelly played the part of Oliver. The young lady did an excellent job of capturing the innocence and vulnerability of the character. Her singing was clear and on key, and her delivery of the lines was convincing. She was very lithe on stage and had a lovely voice, and at her young age, she held her own against the more experienced actors. I hope Ms Kelly continues on her Musical Theatre journey as there is a talent here in bucketloads. 

The part of Nancy was played by Laura Douglas. With her lovely sweet lyrical voice her songs were truly moving, and her solo "As Long As He Needs Me" was emotionally charged and beautifully executed. Her character was kind, and her personality shone through in every scene she was in. Her rendition of "It's a Fine Life" with Bet, Fagin, and the boys was a joy to watch, and it showcased her fun-loving side. Laura's rapport with the rest of the cast was evident, and her character was lovable, a good friend, and a kind soul. So perfectly cast in this role Ms Douglas it was a joy to be a part of the audience to witness this, and the character you gave to us of Nancy. Your Nancy. So lovely. Well Done. 

James Thompson played the part of Bill Sikes. A role that frightened the living daylights out of me with his threatening demeanour, his movements, his shouting, bringing fear to everyone and then the culmination of his terrible anger. When Nancy died, it was very emotional indeed, and Mr Thompson’s character was raw and frightening in his brutality and cruelty. He dominated the stage whenever he appeared, and his physicality added to the overall effect of the character. A powerful performance by Mr Thompson. 

Shannon McKinley played the part of the Artful Dodger, and she did a good job of bringing a mischievous glint to the role. Ms McKinley had a lovely charm and a natural stage presence that made her stand out. Her singing and dancing were both good, and she had a good rapport with the other actors. Overall, this young lady gave a lovely performance. 

Sadbh Breathnach played the part of Bet. A lovely role. A good friend to Nancy and just a cheerful, friendly soul in this character. Superb acting when Nancy dies, and Bet discovers that she is dead; her scream and her pain echo through the theatre as she falls on Nancy's body crying. Excellent scene and very emotional. Well done. 

Andrea Logue played the part of Mrs Sowerberry. And Mr Sowerberry's part was played by Caolan Kelly. This duo brought a unique dynamic to the stage with their chemistry, timing, and attention to detail. Mr Sowerberry's interpretation of the character was spot-on, with his gruff demeanour and rough exterior perfectly complementing his wife's more gentle approach to the role. Mrs. Sowerberry's performance was equally impressive. Both these roles were performed well. 

Ricky Kyle played the part of Mr Bumble. Firstly, I know that Mr Kyle stepped in to play this role with only a day or two to go to the opening to cover cast illness. Knowing this gentleman had just completed the same role immediately with Londonderry Musical Society, Mr Kyle was brilliant in this character. Looked great, acted brilliantly costume perfect and had a lovely rapport with Widow Corney. Mr Kyle was part of the family at this stage and blended magnificently in this role to cover the emergency casting. Not only was it admirable, but it was also a marvellous performance by Mr Kyle. The saying “The Show Must Go On” certainly applied to Mr Kyle here. And you were honestly excellent. 

Clare Bradley played the part of Widow Corney in a small role in this Musical, but her presence is essential to the story. In this production, Ms Bradley brought a lot of humour to the role. She had a fabulous stage presence and interacted well with the other actors, especially with Mr Bumble, who, as already mentioned, was standing in the role. She quickly handled the role's comedic aspects, was very comical, had a dry wit, and was a likeable character. 

Erin Dolan played Charlotte. She did an excellent job portraying the character's snippy and entitled demeanour. Her vocal performance was strong, and she delivered her lines with conviction and confidence. Her interactions with other characters, particularly Noah Claypole, were entertaining, as she was simply besotted by him and the overall comedic tone. 

Harry Thompson played the part of Noah Claypole. This character is easy to dislike, and Mr Thompson did an excellent job embodying the character's smug and arrogant personality. He had a strong stage presence and interacted well with the other actors. His vocal performance was strong, and he delivered his lines with conviction and confidence. His interactions with different characters, particularly Charlotte, were entertaining and added to the show's comedic tone. 

Daithí Harrigan played the part of Charley Bates. It was a small role but an important one. Mr. Harrigan did an excellent job of bringing the character to life. He had a great stage presence and interacted well with the other actors. His performance was strong, and he delivered his lines with conviction and confidence. His interactions with other characters were very entertaining. Well played, Mr. Harrigan. 

Mark Leonard played Mr Brownlow, and Anna Gallagher played Mrs Bedwin. Mr Leonard brought a sense of kindness and wisdom to Mr Brownlow's role, making it easy for the audience to connect with him. Ms Gallagher was an absolute delight as Mrs Bedwin, the housekeeper. She brought a sense of warmth and a maternal perspective to the role, and her chemistry with Mr Leonard was so sweet and lovely. Her performance added depth and richness to the production. It was such a pleasure to watch them on stage. Two lovely parts, well cast. 

I was so impressed by this Chorus. They were the backbone of the production and played an integral role in bringing the musical to life. This Chorus had an infectious energy that was palpable throughout the show, and their enthusiasm was contagious, especially the children whose vocal abilities were awe-inspiring. 

Everyone did a fantastic job with this lovely show. This Society can become even more successful in the future (if possible). Still, I sincerely hope you continue building on what you have here at Encore Theatre Productions. You have talent in bucketloads and a production team that is one of the best. I wish you nothing but continued success. Keep doing your gorgeous shows, and thank you for your fantastic hospitality, welcome and care. It will stay with me always.

Caroline Daly Jones

Adjudicator Sullivan 2023 / 2024

Photos by Rebecca Thompson / Sean Mc Intyre