"Oliver" by Kristian Thomas Company.

Derby Theatre.

Everyone knows the story of the workhouse boy who escaped from the nasty Mr Bumble, head of the workhouse, after being sold to work in a funeral parlour. He is befriended by The Artful Dodger and taken in by Fagin but his career as a petty thief stalled when he was caught stealing a handkerchief from the upper-class Mr Brownlow, who then took him only to discover that Oliver was really his Grandson. That's the extremely edited version of what happens in "Oliver" but there's so much fun and mayhem that occurs throughout this wonderful musical; a musical that I've had the pleasure of seeing many, many times over the years.

The film really does deserve the label of "iconic", especially with its' list of unforgettable characters, the actors who have played these parts, as well as the soundtrack that boasts so many well known songs. Well, listen to me, I'm going on as if you've never heard of this musical before! Surely everyone has seen a production of "Oliver" at some time, or at least have seen the 1968 film starring Ron Moody, Oliver Reed, Harry Secombe, Shani Wallis, Jack Wild, and Mark Lester, based on Charles Dickens' novel, "Oliver Twist"?

It matters not how many times I've seen this, or any musical or production, because a good production team will always add a bit of themselves into the mix and make something a little bit different. When I'm asked if I don't tire of seeing shows multiple times, I always answer "no", for this reason, and it makes it fun for me, as a reviewer, to spot the changes; and there were a few in this production.

There are two youth ensemble teams, Team Pick, which is the team that I saw tonight, Thursday night, and will be performing again on Saturday evening, and Team Pocket, who are performing on Friday evening and the Saturday matinee. 

Team Pick consist of Isabelle Magee, Alana-Bo Stevenson, Eliza Fardell-Willson, Ronnie Lee, Imogen Satherley, Poppy Callaghan, Isla Baskill-Conroy, Grace Bills, Wilbert Jay Leysa, Sophia Ireland and Kodie Foxon. I know that Team Pocket will be every bit as energetic, talented and entertaining as Team Pick, so worry not. 

Regular perusers of my reviews will know that, in ensembles, there's always  one, maybe two of the ensemble which draw my attention to them, and that's the same with Team Pick. They were all so incredibly energetic and entertaining, but Kodie Foxon just seemed to catch my eye. You've heard that old drama school adage of "eyes and teeth", well that was very true of Kodie, and it's not the first time that I've noticed this with this young man. 

Team Pocket are Isobel Fuller, Daisy Peel, Beth Holliday, James Breen, Autumn Quach, Mischa Spencer, Olivia Richardson-Purdy, Henry Ferdinando, Diya Cheema, Jacob Jacques-Phillips and Eliza Fardell-Willson.

This has to be KTco's biggest production yet and what a show to make their Derby Theatre debut. Let's face it, with a musical of these proportions, and a cast whose talents are so big, you're going to need a bigger stage!

Playing the titular role is Jake Freestone (Thursday and Saturday evenings) and James Bailey (Friday evening and Saturday matinee). Jake's voice will make the hairs on your neck stand up when he sings "Where Is Love" and want to tap your feet to him singing "Consider Yourself" or "I'd Do Anything". I knew that I'd seen Jake somewhere else, realising later that he is also a talented bass player, as witnessed when he played Casey in Cabaret Theatre Company's production of "School Of Rock" earlier this year in Burton. Now I know he has a voice that matches his musicianship.

Dodger is played by a young man who I've seen on a couple of occasions, River Mahjouri (Thursday and Saturday evenings) and Effie Lennon Ballard (Friday evening and Saturday matinee). I'd seen River on stage before tonight when he played, oh hang on, The Artful Dodger in Central Musical theatre Company's version of "Oliver", playing opposite his brother, Forrest, as Oliver. This young man has personality and confidence to match the cheeky Dodger; you can see why he was chosen for this role. His voice is really strong and the character that he brings to the role is second to none. I've been very fortunate to see several "Dodgers" and every one has been different, and I've not reviewed a "Dodger" that didn't make me smile. Acting as a talent obviously runs through his blood, and his genes, and great to see him reprising this role.

David Covey is Fagin. Like Dodger, I've seen several and every actor who has played this role has always brought something different to the stage, David's no different. Another actor who brings personality to their character they play, as well as performs their songs, and there's a difference between singing a song and performing a song, for me anyway.  He makes you believe that Fagin is the vocalist and not David playing Fagin. I think I noticed a slightly different arrangement of "Reviewing the Situation" which sounded great, alongside Fagin's other big numbers, "Pick A Pocket Or Two" and "Be Back Soon".

Cara Dudgeon plays Nancy. With fear of just repeating the same thing every time, Cara's portrayal of Nancy was absolutely brilliant. She was fun, she made you want to cry, she made you feel anger at Bill Sikes; I found my mouth open when she was suffering at the hands of Sikes. But that voice, what an instrument that is. The frivolity and laughter in her vocals with songs like "Oom Pah Pah", the playfulness in "I'd Do Anything", the devil may care in "It's A Fine Life", and that heartache and misplaced loyalty when it came to "As Long As He Needs Me". She gave me tingles galore. Even at the reprise of the song.

Joe Milward is Bill Sikes. I have seen Joe in several productions over the last few years - I still can't get his role in "Ghost" out of my head; so much anger, such acting. Normally Sikes is a more physically dominant character, but here Joe shows that a slimmer Sikes works just as well for inducing fear. This and his acting voice really created unease throughout the theatre. You still would not want to meet Sikes in a dark alley at night because Joe's vocal interpretation of this musical villain would have you reaching for that spare pair of pants, and we didn't even need Bullseye to hit the target.

Mr Bumble is played by Giles Pettit. Forget Harry Secombe's rich vocals in "Oliver" because Giles Pettit brings an almost operatic strength to this soundtrack. Not only that but Bumble's speech delivery was very different to any Bumble I can remember. Bumble tries very hard to be quite posh and adds lots of "haitches" to his word. The only way I can describe it is, and only elder folk may remember this, but Windsor Davies in "It Ain't 'Arf Hot Mum" used to add an aitch before words to make him sound more upper class, and Bumble straight away introduces a new layer to his character, as well as making me smile at the attempt to social climb. Brilliant comedy pairing with Adela as Widow Corney.

Adela Green is Widow Corney. The chemistry between Bumble and Widow Corney is superb, and their vocals blend so well, especially in their duet "I Shall Scream", and that laugh! This is another role that is such a personality driven role, and Adela certainly ticks that box with Widow Corney. 

Alana Fay Moran plays Bet, a former disciple of Fagin's gang. A lovely fun role which really suited Alana down to the ground.

Mr Sowerberry is played by Cam Trail with Amy Wicks is Mrs Sowerberry, the married funeral arrangers. 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. Another excellent comedy duo.

Abbie Faulkner plays the not so nice Charlotte, who works in the Sowerby's business and playing Charlotte's boyfriend, co funeral worker, greasy bacon fan and Oliver's bully is Ben Hale as Noah Claypole.

Steve Dunning is Mr Brownlow, the wealthy man who is unlucky enough to have his pocket picked on Oliver's first criminal spree, but not by Oliver. Brownlow takes him into his care and looks after him; feeding him and clothing him. The good deed brings to the surface a twist in the back story of Oliver's life.

Mrs Bedwin, Mr Brownlow's housekeeper who tends to Oliver, is played by Lauren Polimos.

Adam Collishaw plays Dr Grimwig, the medical man who is called by Brownlow to check Oliver over. The Doctor likes a good chuckle and creates more than a ripple in his supporting role. A nice fun role for Adam.

Charley Bates, a main member of Fagin's gang who is up there with Dodger on the thieving stakes, is played by Poppy Callaghan and Autumn Quach. A nice cheeky role.

Claire Collishaw plays Old Sally, the character who relates to Widow Corney the history behind Oliver's birth, providing proof of who Oliver's mother was.

Natasha Cartwright is The Milk Maid, the Strawberry Seller is played by Helen Perry, Lizzie Fenner is the Apple Seller and Ellie Simmonds plays the Kinfe Grinder in the "Who Will Buy" scene. A very harmonious five way version of this song which also included Oliver as part of the quintet.

The large adult ensemble are Becky Pearcy, Bethany Wear, Abbie Faulkner, Adam Collishaw, Ben Hale, Aimee Fardell Willson, Jessica, Becky, Gabby Tempest, Laura Ellis, Claire Collishaw, Sinead Parkin, Megan Singleton, Reema Frost, Hattie Kemish, Wendy Austin-Giddings, Lizzie Fenner, Ellie Simmonds, Beth Neville, Helen Perry, Sandy Lane, Adela Green, Amy Wicks, BetsyMae Kirkland-Ball, Cameron Trail, James Christian, Jessica Bridge, Lauren Polimos, Natasha Cartwright and Shannon O' Donnell.

Directed by Tom Samuels, assisted by Alyshea Gomes. This has to be one of the biggest shows, in every aspect, to direct, but what a stunning job this pair have done. I mentioned a few differences to productions that I had seen previously, and the main one for me was at the end of the first act with the song "Be Back Soon". Anyone who has been to Derby Theatre will know that the circumference of the seating area is like a horse shoe, and this was utilised splendidly in this number as Fagin sent his gang of kids off into town, waving them off from one end of the stage, the kids paraded all the way to the top of the auditorium and came down the other side and back onto the stage, singing and marching throughout. Only at a theatre like Derby Theatre can you do that.

Choreographed by Kristian Cunningham. I've said it in the past, and I will keep saying that Kristian is one of the best choreographers the area has. With such a massive cast, this creative area is by no means easy. The big ensemble numbers like "Oom Pah Pah" and the street sections were as good as any that you'd see at a touring production. The scene with Fagin in "Pick A Pocket Or Two" is another well crafted piece of choreography.

Musical Director is Sam Hedley, and here is another area that I noticed very subtle changes in arrangement. The soundtrack is such a well loved and oft performed soundtrack, and I've noted some of the well known songs throughout this review. The arrangements are perfect.

The set is big, as you'd expect, encompassing London Bridge, the street scenes, the workhouse, funeral parlour, the hostelry, Brownlow's house etc etc. Such a lot of scenes, but the scene changes just seemed to melt into each other, almost as if you were watching a film. The set is thanks to Scenery Solutions and made you feel as if you were right there in the middle of the action.

Lighting Design by Stephen Greatorex, assisted by Jamie Vella, operated by Jack Clark. I have only one very little negative now, and that didn't come until right at the very end of the show. When the cast were taking their final bows, it seemed as if half of the cast, the front row on stage, were in darkness, and I would have loved for the whole cast to have been in the spotlight. I don't for one minute anticipate that this will happen on any other night, and it didn't detract one iota of enjoyment for me, and probably only I actually noticed.

Sound Design by Harry Greatorex. Derby Theatre is one of my favourite theatres where sound and clarity is concerned; tonight was no different. You could hear every single syllable on stage, both spoken and sung. Perfect sound.

Costumes by Jan Brockhurst and the Lace Market Theatre. Another highlight in this production packed with highlights.

The whole show was produced by Kristian Cunningham, assisted by Alysha Gomes and Katie Lawson.

"Oliver" is at Derby Theatre until Saturday 19 October, and it really is worth picking a pocket or two to get tickets for this spectacular show, although the tickets are very reasonably priced so you won't have to, but the show is sold out all week, so it may be worth getting in touch with the theatre and popping your name on the list for any returns or cancellations.

Look out for the charity that Kristian Thomas Company are supporting throughout this run, and please give generously.

Photographs by Betty Gamble Photography.

 "A Bunch Of Amateurs" by Bonington Players.

Bonington Theatre.

A washed-up Hollywood star, Jefferson Steele, is flown to England to play the title role in King Lear at "Stratford" believing he will be appearing onstage at the legendary Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Instead he finds he has signed on with the "Stratford Players" in the Suffolk village of Stratford St John. He arrives in England with his career deteriorating and having problems with his daughter who is an aspiring actress on the fringes of the New York theatre.

The local villagers are over the moon to have such a “star” playing with them. Will the arrogant Steele knuckle down to his latest role, or will he forever play the Hollywood star? Come and find out.

Steve Atkin (Steele) plays a typically selfish American with no time for manners, and displays an appalling lack of class, considering himself too big for this lowly setting. There's a lovely U turn moment though later in the play when this media loving star gets the wrong kind of media. what a tour de force both actor and character are. The accent was constant throughout and while you couldn't quite hate the arrogant and vain Steele, you found yourself willing him to do well for the Stratford Players. A brilliant character part for an excellent character actor. Steve also gets to play a drunken Steele with a whole lot of realism. Is this what they call method acting to get this role so sharply tuned?

Christian King plays Nigel Dewberry, possibly a rival for Steele but he loves the theatre and is very confident about his acting ability with the Stratford Players. Nigel is a proper ham and Christian takes every opportunity to go over the top in a gloriously dramatic way. There's that feel of Kenneth Williams in the character which is brought out wonderfully snootily by Christian.

Lindsey Hemingway plays the slightly over excitable Mary Plunkett in the play who has a bit of a crush on Steele. But could her jealousy be the downfall of our American star? There's a lot of comedy with this character which Lindsey is so at home with, and in Mary's effort to impress Steele, gets to wear some wonderfully flashy outfits. I love that green sparkly one.

Sheila Millington plays Lauren Bell, the wife of the sponsor and budding actor herself, but all does not go quite to plan when her former occupation causes quite an unexpected blow to the future of the play!!! Another lovely actor who has a genuine feel, in more ways than one, for comedy.

Wayne Hill plays Denis Dobbins, caretaker, health and safety officer and the Duke of Gloucester. Now I love accents and Wayne perfects the Suffolk accent and maintains that burr all the way through. Like all of these characters, great fun to watch.

Gennie Price plays Jefferson’s feisty teenage daughter, Jessica Steele. Jessica is wise to her father and his ways and stands no nonsense from him. Does her love of acting bridge that gap that has widened between her and Jefferson over the years? Only one way to find out!

Anna Hodkin plays Dorothy Nettle, the director of the Stratford Players and the moving force behind keeping the theatre alive. Dorothy is very typical of many Directors I know because she is the glue, the force, the determination, the organiser, the agony aunt as well as the mother hen for this bunch of amateurs. Anna also designed the wonderful set.

There's a character in the play called The Fool, but unfortunately the programme doesn't list the lady who played this part.

The journalists are played by Chris Gardner, Eddie Januszczyk and Jo Whitehurst.

Directed by Liz Atkin, the pace of this comedy was spot on. The characters were wonderfully different and it's nice to say that I could recognise many actors I know in many of the characters in this play, especially the role of Nigel! Comedy is a lot harder to make succeed than straight plays but the comedy flowed well and the timing was faultless.

I've mentioned that Anna designed the set, and just how wonderful it is, but I really must mention the throne that Lear, aka Steele, has which is rather marvellous, as is all of the regal decorations, a contrast to the almost bare setting for the barn that the Stratford Players use as their theatre.  The set dressing is the work of Linda Whitehurst.

I have also touched on some of the costumes used, and subtle as they may be, there are quite a few changes of costumes for all the cast. Costumes are down to Charlotte Hukin. The costumes for the final production of King Lear were marvellous.

Sound operation is by David Goatham, who is also responsible for the lighting and video design. The video design is what makes this production very special, apart from the wonderful talents of the cast. There are segments, shown on the big screen, which take you from the plane landing at Heathrow Airport, via the press conference and also what turns into a very funny sketch which would not have been out of place in an old Benny Hill sketch, complete with special visual effects as well. Very clever and very different approach to the presentation of this particular production.

Lighting operation is by Peter Hodgkinson, who knows exactly what he is doing in this area of production.

There is a speech in this play near the end which explains why people do am dram and local theatre and this rings so true, and I felt like applauding this section alone. They also explain that in small villages, something like am dram keeps a community going and brings the village together and that is oh so true.

The writers Ian Hislop and Nick Newman really get to the heart of what local theatre is all about and that an amateur operation, like local theatre is anything but amateur. I for one have been shouting this for many years.

“A Bunch Of Amateurs” is at Bonington Theatre in Arnold until Saturday 19 October. Pop along and see an amateur theatre group who are anything but amateur.

 "Birdsong" by Sebastian Faulks.

Stage version by Rachel Wagstaff.

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

In pre-war France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire, who is married to factory owner Rene. It's a torrid affair that turns both of their worlds upside down. As the war breaks out over the idyll of his former life, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground. Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle as his world explodes, quite literally, around him.

The story is told in three acts and starts with Wraysford, a young English factory supervisor, sent to France before the war.

Act Two jumps ahead a few years to the Allied trenches of the Western Front during the First World War. Wraysford has lost Isabelle and carries the pain with him into his life as an army officer. 

The final act reunites Wraysford and Isabelle but does everything turn out the way they want?

This review is not going to be a long one, and you'll see why that is.

No words that I write will ever say what a brilliant show this is, what an emotional show this is, what a powerful show this is or what a beautiful show this is, so I won't even try. It's possibly the most powerful piece of war based theatre that I've seen on stage, and that includes "War Horse" and "All Quiet On The Western Front". This show is a love story which also holds a mirror up to the futile horrors and atrocities of war.

Like many of the productions that I have had the pleasure of seeing of late, this is one of those wonderful ensemble pieces of theatre where no one actor stands out from another; they are a tight band of actors who tell a wonderfully emotive story. It's a story that I have not read and I've not seen the film either so this was completely new to me, and what a first impression it made. I could not wait to get to my feet at the end to show my complete appreciation of an incredible cast and a painfully emotional story.

James Esler is Stephen Wraysford. James makes his professional stage debut in this role, and what a way to do so by baring not just your soul on stage, but everything else. The passion this man has for this role is so very plain to see, and he will make you feel every emotion that his character goes through.

Max Bowden features as Jack Firebrace. I have never seen Max in "Eastenders" because I don't watch this soap, but what an actor he is. There are scenes that Max plays that will leave you feeling drained of emotion, especially the letters that he receives from his wife back home, and the final scenes with Wraysford. 

Charlie Russell plays Isabelle Azaire. This play just oozes class actors and Charlie's portrayal of this particular character is breath taking.

Joseph Benjamin Baker as Evans/Levi, Raif Clarke as Tipper, James Findlay as Brennan, Dave Fishley as Turner, Gracie Follows as Lisette, Sulin Hasso as Marguerite, Tama Phethean as Shaw/LeBrun, Natalie Radmall-Quirke as Jeanne, Roger Ringrose as Bérard/Barclay and Sargon Yelda as René Azaire/Gray.

I know that I said that I didn't need to mention individuals but Raif Clarke makes you feel for his tender character years and the pressure that Tipper is under, especially after a certain revelation later on the play.

Roger Ringrose provides much of the comedy in the first act, but he allows you to see the dark underbelly of his comic exterior in a certain way he has with responses.

Sargon Yelda also delivers a dark side of his character perfectly, contrasting with his secondary character.

Both the above French characters are depicted as racist and caveman-esque in their attitude to women, the complete opposite of the gentlemanly British Wraysford.

Another aspect of the emotional feel of this production is the musical side of the show. There's a beautiful folk soundtrack for this show which all adds to the sadness of the themes of "Birdsong". James Findlay, a wonderful folk singer/songwriter whose music I've been a fan of for many years now, and have had the pleasure of chatting to him on my radio show, several years ago, leads the vocal segments and makes the hairs on your neck and arms tingle.

Alastair Whatley is the Director of "Birdsong" and also the Artistic Director of Original Theatre.

Design is by Richard Kent, and is initially minimal, but that is no bad thing because we allow ourselves to focus on the characters and the story. Props are introduced to the set throughout, and with the additional stage smoke effects and the scenes of the battle trenches, you really get the full effect of war. There are claustrophobic scenes where the men are climbing through narrow tunnels really leave you feeling constricted, also providing a real sensory overall effect from watching.

Lighting by Jason Taylor and sound by Dominic Bilkey really complete this sensory experience. There were people all over the auditorium jumping at the loud blasts and explosions, and combined with the incredible lighting effects, you felt as though you were really in the thick of battle, creating unease all round.

The play's running time is three hours, which also includes two breaks. This is to separate the three time periods. There is also nudity and sexual scenes in the first section, so if a naked bottom or breast offends, don't buy a ticket. The nude scenes are choreographed well so that you don't get to see too much flesh, which is also hidden in shadows, thanks to the lighting design.

I have tried not to give too much of the story away, but I absolutely loved this emotion filled production and would advise theatre fans everywhere to grab yourself a ticket.

"Birdsong" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 19 October.