"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.

BSL by Sebastian Probert.

Photographs by Betty Gamble Photography.