“Oliver” by Creatio Arts Youth
Derby Theatre

Everyone should know the story of “Oliver”, The musical is based on Dickens’ classic novel of a workhouse boy who is sold as an apprentice to an Undertakers, but after another employee insults Oliver’s dead mother, a fight breaks out and Oliver escapes and is taken under the wing of Fagin, thanks to meeting another young, but streetwise urchin, The Artful Dodger, who with the other boys, teach Oliver how to pick a pocket or two for a living. Oliver also meets Nancy, the live in wife of Bill Sykes, who as we all know is not a nice man. This is where the dark side of the musical starts to rear its’ ugly head!

Taking the lead role as Oliver is Daniel Moore.12 Years old and this is his first production with Creatio and what a way to make his debut on this big stage and taking the lead role. His singing and acting oozes confidence and his relationship between his fellow actors is completely believable. He also has great trust in his fellow actors, which shows in the "rough and tumble" Oliver has to endure.

Oscar Hewitt – Richards plays the Artful Dodger. Only 14 years old but the way that he uses the stage shows a massive maturity in his acting. He looks very natural in this role and the friendship between the Dodger and Oliver is brotherly. Another young actor with a lovely and adaptable voice for musical theatre.

Having met Dan and Oscar a couple of weeks ago I can also confirm that they are also incredibly polite and down to earth young people who are intelligent young people, who also smile a lot. Mind you if I had their talent, I'd also smile a lot. They both have a big future on the stage.

Lucas Young is Fagin and thanks to the wonderful make up artists that Creatio have, he is almost unrecognisable. A brilliant character actor who makes every role his own, and I've been lucky enough to see Lucas in many roles over the last few years. Lucas succeeds in bringing out the comedy in the character and especially in the song "Reviewing The Situation" which was a real crowd pleaser.

Nancy is played by the gorgeous Grace Orgill. I have seen Jodie Prenger play this role and Grace was just as intoxicating as Prenger. Grace has a wonderful voice and her emotional rendition of "As Long As He Needs Me" sent a shiver down my spine. A wonderful stage presence as well.

Bill Sykes is played by Dom Gibbs. We all know that Sykes is the baddie here but when Dom made his first appearance in Act Two, there seemed to be a hush fall over the audience in anticipation of the bully. Another wonderful character role for this young man because when he took his bows, the audience booed, but meeting Dom afterwards, I can confirm he is a puppy!

Making his theatrical debut amid these young actors is Steve Powell. At 55 years young, Steve plays Mr Bumble, and to see and hear him sing, you would not have thought that this was his debut. A lovely comic role who is great fun to watch.

Molly Hewitt-Richards is a perfect character match for Mr Bumble as Widow Corney, and what an incredible voice she has, and I absolutely love the comedy this pair have together.

Playing Bet is the lovely Tammie Morgan. A lovely fun role which really suits Tammie down to the ground. I've had the pleasure of seeing Tammie in several musicals and have enjoyed everything she has done.

Reuben Gotts makes his Creatio debut playing Mr Sowerby, the funeral arranger and along with Freya Primrose as Mrs Sowerby, they make an entertaining pair, if not a little creepy, but that's what you'd expect from a pair who are happy when there is a funeral to arrange.

Molly Haines plays the not very nice Charlotte in the Sowerby's business and playing Charlotte's boyfriend, co funeral worker and bully to Oliver is Bailey West.

Ebony Tinkler is Mrs Bedwin, Tom Judson is Dr Grimwig, who likes a good chuckle and creates more than a ripple in his supporting role. Nadia Potter portrays the elderly Old Sally, who also gets a few giggles from the audience as well.

Mr Brownlow is played by Kheenan Jones, and again another actor who I had to look twice at in the programme as, thanks to wardrobe, he was quite unrecognisable unless you know him.

With a cast of over 50, the ensemble really fill out the Derby Theatre stage and when they all sing together the sound is powerful.

Directed by Lisa Judson and Produced by Rachel Morton-Riley, this is yet another roaring success to add to Creatio's catalogue of past successes. This company can do no wrong, but I know that this because of the hard work that everyone involved puts in. They are perfectionists and that is why their shows are nothing short of professional on every level.

Musical director is Tom Watkins and the beautiful lush arrangements of these classic songs flood the theatre, but never the singers. This is due to a great sound mix thanks to Simon Birchall and Ben Tennett.

Tom Mowat is lighting designer, adding another sheen to this great musical.

Choreographed by Charli Richardson-Astle, and she has done an incredible job, especially when you take into consideration this massive cast. The energy from that stage is so exciting to feel and to watch; just another reason why this production is fresh and so enjoyable.

Brilliant costumes, and I know that a lot of hard work has gone into sourcing these for the show, but boy, do they look amazing on this cast.

Words really do not express how insanely enjoyable this show is and how talented a cast Creatio have got together, many of them new faces, but there's a wonderfully gelled aura over them all, and this really comes across on, and off stage.

“Oliver” is at Derby Theatre until Friday 6 July 2018, so even if you have to pick a pocket or two, make sure you get a ticket for this excellent production. If not, then it's your funeral.