Oliver! as presented by Limerick Musical Society

LIMERICK MUSICAL SOCIETY “OLIVER” 

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College 

11th – 13th April 2024

Adjudication Performance 11th April. 

Back to Limerick My life on the road took me back to Limerick on the 11th April to visit the lovely Lime Tree Theatre once more. I love this theatre ! There was a great buzz around the Front of House area with everyone looking forward to the evening entertainment that was the iconic musical – ‘Oliver’ The team managing the Front of the House did an excellent job making sure everyone had a great time from start to finish. From the moment I arrived, I could see that this team was friendly and helpful, ensuring everyone easily found their seats. The team's attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure everyone was happy was impressive. 

The Director was Aoife McClafferty. Her attention to detail and expert direction created a mesmerizing performance that brought Oliver's story to life on stage and immersed the audience in the world of Victorian England. The set design, lighting, and costumes were stunning, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience and me. Ms. McClafferty's passion for Oliver's story was evident, and her work was inspiring and very emotional. This young lady brought a unique perspective to the production, infusing it with a sense of authenticity that was both captivating and engaging. Every scene was masterfully crafted beautifully, with Ms McClafferty’s attention to detail evident in every aspect of the show, from the intricate set design to the gorgeous costumes and the perfectly timed lighting. Ms McClafferty's clever direction gave the feeling that we, the audience, were not just spectators but active participants in Oliver's story. I do not doubt that Ms McClafferty will continue to create captivating and unforgettable productions that will leave audiences in awe for a long time. A genuinely superb job, Ms McClafferty, as Director in an equally magnificent production.

The musical director of this production was Shane Farrell. Mr Farrell demonstrated his expertise and talent as a Musical Director, Conductor, and Chorus Master. He inspired the cast and orchestra to deliver a captivating and dynamic performance with a lovely pace, energy, and emotion in the quieter, more emotional moments. Mr. Farrell has such lovely empathy in his role as he continually and masterfully crafted and guided his cast and orchestra through each number, consistently ensuring that every single note played was perfectly timed and expertly executed and that the cast and orchestra were one. Totally immersed in the music and always watchful of his performers, it was obvious that the cast were assured that the Music followed them and was always ready for any event. Super. 

The Choreographer, Amanda Pierce, did an excellent job in this production. Her work was beautifully moved, creating intricate, engaging, visually stunning dance numbers that were simply a visual treat. Standout dance numbers included 'Consider Yourself' and 'Who Will Buy?', beautifully choreographed and featured impressive ensemble performances executed with so much precision and energy that they were beautiful. 

Ms. Pierce's talent as a choreographer was evident from the intricate footwork and graceful movements in every number, especially in her attention to detail, which consistently created a truly lovely visual. Your work in this production was simply fabulous, as were the dancers. I am sure many hours went into perfecting the dance routines here, which was obvious. 

The Stage Manager was Brendan Coleman. The Sets were superb. I loved the depth created by using the higher level over the bridge. From the dark and gloomy workhouse to the vibrant and lively streets of London, each scene was beautifully crafted and expertly executed. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the set design, from the intricate props to the stunning backdrops. The set changes were seamless, and the transitions were executed precisely and efficiently. Fagin's Den was a masterpiece. The use of vertical space was particularly effective. The set design added a layer of depth and authenticity to the production, allowing your audience to immerse themselves in Oliver Twist's life entirely. The sets were visually striking, effective, and consistently worked well. 

The lighting design throughout was nothing short of exceptional. Each scene and every emotion in the story beautifully enhanced the mood and atmosphere all the way through. The lighting changes were seamless, and the transitions were executed flawlessly. The use of spotlights and coloured lights, such as the scenes with Nancy and the shadows created in the lighting matching the darkness of Bill Sykes and the joy of “Oom Pa Pa,” was similar to a party atmosphere. The lights danced around the stage, lighting up the stage like the sun, creating a truly stunning visual experience. The spots on the characters “Who Will Buy” were so clever, with another spot on Oliver on the bridge singing “Who Will Buy.” The lighting design perfectly complements the set design, and together, they work. 

The sound throughout was outstanding. I never once struggled to hear dialogue or musical numbers. The cast's vocals were perfectly balanced, allowing each performer to shine. The sound perfectly complemented the set design and lighting, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.

The costumes were outstanding. Visually, it was a joy to watch this show with the attention to detail in this critical area of any production, with each costume tailored to perfection and carefully selected to reflect the character's personality, social status, and historical period. The hair and makeup were also exceptional, with the makeup artists and hairstylists displaying exceptional skill and talent. The hairstyles were also beautifully crafted, adding a layer of authenticity to the production and transporting the audience back to the Victorian era. 

The use of props was a vital element in the production's success, with the props selected and created to reflect the historical period and add an extra layer of detail to the output. The props ranged from the intricate workhouse utensils to the colourful street vendor carts to the gorgeous flowers, Oliver's apple, and the food for the dog given to Oliver – it was so detailed that even the dog wouldn’t eat it, I would imagine! I adored it as I love the attention to detail when done well; this was no exception. Everything here had a unique design, thought, and style that helped bring the story to life and enhance it throughout. 

Seán O’Callaghan played the role of Oliver. A simply outstanding performance. From the moment Mr. O'Callaghan stepped onto the stage, I was utterly captivated by his impressive vocal range, expressive acting, and gorgeous portrayal of Oliver. His performance was inspirational. There is not one thing I could fault in your portrayal of the character. Your voice consistently had just the right amount of emotion, with a vocal as clear as the sunrise on a summer's day. You continue to leave a lasting impression on me, Mr. O’Callaghan. At just 11 years old, you are truly gifted, and I hope you will undoubtedly continue to impact the audiences in the world of theatre and leave them as you did me in awe with your remarkable talent. Your performance was simply exquisite. 

AJ McGuane played the Artful Dodger. Mr McGuane's portrayal of the Artful Dodger was consistently excellent. An exceptional example of great talent and stage presence. His impish facial expressions and body language conveyed the character's vulnerability, making it impossible not to be drawn in. His singing and dancing were also a standout feature of his performance, impressively choreographed and timed. 

Laura Henebry played Nancy's part. Again Ms Henebry’s performance was so solid. Her raw, emotional vocals were incredibly moving, leaving the audience feeling profoundly touched and emotional. My heart was thumping in your scenes with Bill Sykes as I was immediately drawn to Ms Henebry when she arrived on stage. Ms Henebry has the gift of consistently conveying so much emotion through her voice, which was truly impressive. Her performance was so engaging that it drew me in and made me feel like a part of the story. Ms Henebry’s ability to connect with the audience was exceptional, and her portrayal of this character was incredibly moving, which made her performance all the more memorable.

Brian McNamara played the part of Fagin. Mr. McNamara deftly balanced the character's humour and menace, portraying Fagin with subtlety and precision. Mr. McNamara's physicality was integral to the character's portrayal, with movements and facial expressions adding to the overall excellent performance. Mr McNamara’s singing voice was perfect, bringing a unique interpretation to his musical numbers. Mr. McNamara's rendition of "You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two" stood out, showcasing the actor's physicality and good vocal delivery. Mr. McNamara’s confident acting of Fagin lifted this production to another level, with deep knowledge of the character and the story. A standout performance. 

Aidan O'Connell played the part of Bill Sykes. This complex and dark character requires a skilled actor who can portray Sykes's brutal and violent nature while also outlining his inner turmoil and complexity. Mr. O’Connell’s portrayal was terrifying and empathetic, which drew me in and left me feeling conflicted. This challenging role requires a range of acting abilities, including physicality, vocal control, and emotion. Mr O’Connell portrayed a palpable sense of danger and tension on stage while delivering an excellent performance. Super performance. 

Holly Naughton played the part of Bet. This is an integral part of the story. This was a lovely role played so very well by Ms Naughton. Ms Naughton played an integral part in the overall story. 

Gerard Treacy and Olivia Parkinson played Mr and Mrs Sowerberry respectively. These parts were played very well in the production. They both brought great humour to the show, making their scenes entertaining and engaging. The chemistry between the two characters was evident, and their performances were spot-on, from their exaggerated facial expressions to their comedic timing. Their duet, "That's Your Funeral," was a standout moment in the show, with both actors delivering an impressive vocal performance. Super performances.

Ber Hickey played the part of Widow Corney, and Paul Cable played the part of Mr Bumble. Ber Hickey and Paul Cable were amazing. They were so funny together, and their timing was perfect. Ber Hickey nailed her role, and Paul Cable was a riot as Mr. Bumble. They had great energy and made their scenes entertaining. You could tell they put much effort into their characters, which paid off. They were a highlight of the show. Great job to Ber Hickey and Paul Cable for bringing their roles to life. The part of Mr. Brownlow was played Mr. Brian Quinlivan, and Eimear Sheahan played the part of Mrs. Bedwin. Mr. Brownlow and Ms. Bedwin were portrayed excellently in this production, and they both delivered captivating and emotional performances. Mr. Brownlow's kindness and compassion were evident in every scene and his heart-warming chemistry with Oliver. Ms. Bedwin's nurturing and caring nature shone through in her interactions with Oliver and the other characters. 

Amanda Leddin played the part of Charlotte and Strawberry Seller. Rebecca Timmons played the part of the Milkmaid. Martin Pierce played the part of the Knife Seller, and Sarah Alley played the part of the Rose Seller.  These cameo characters, as I call them, were an essential part of the show's overall success. Despite having limited stage time, they added to the story. Each performer brought unique talent and energy, making their roles memorable. 

Harry Moriarty played the part of Noah Claypole. Vincent Collins played the part of Charley Bates. Mike O’Loughlin played the part of Dr. Grimwig. Anita Cunneen played the part of Old Sally. Kate Ryan played the part of Matron. These cast members played their respective roles to the best of their abilities. Noah Claypole played with flair and energy and was delightfully obnoxious. His interactions with Oliver and the other characters added a touch of humour and, indeed, some bullying to the production. Charley Bates played with great charisma and charm and stood out. His dancing and singing were flawless, and he brought an infectious energy to the stage. Dr. Grimwig played with great authority and was a commanding presence on stage. His interactions with Oliver and the other characters were engaging, if not a little condescending, and disdain and mistrusting of Oliver, and his performance added depth to the story. Old Sally, played with great emotion and vulnerability, was a memorable character. Her portrayal of the tragic figure was heart-wrenching, and her scenes were among the most moving in the production.

The Chorus Master was Shane Farrell. This chorus was nothing short of fantastic. "Consider Yourself" and "Who Will Buy," where the chorus truly shone. Their infectious enthusiasm and joy brought such glorious life to the stage. Their harmonies were beautiful and added to the overall atmosphere of the scene, creating a truly stunning visual and audio experience. This chorus elevated the show to new heights with their talent and dedication. Their voices shone through in every number, bringing magic to this production in their beautiful volume and musicality throughout. They Even got Mr Farrell himself bobbing along on his keyboards which was lovely to see. 

What a great show and a great team. I have nothing but praise for each of you in all areas as a Society. It was a joy to be a part of your journey, and I wish you all well always. Simply FANTASTIC ! 

Caroline Daly Jones

Adjudicator Sullivan 2023 / 2024