Staffordshire’s Stage Productions brought to life Lionel Barts Oliver! to the Regent stage for the first time in 14 years (can in really have been that long!).
The family favourite tale of the lovable orphan, which was made timeless by the 1968 film starring Ron Moody, was based on the Lionel Bart musical which is being staged this week at The Regent.
Telling the story of young orphan Oliver who was born in a workhouse, sold to an undertaker and is taken under the wing of infamous Fagin, king of the pickpockets. Lionel Barts’ score has classics such as Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got To Pick-A-Pocket Or Two & I’d Do Anything.
Starring Jayden Kay who brilliantly played Oliver, with his acting, his solo with ‘Where is Love’ and dance routines on numbers such as ‘I’d Do Anything’ and ‘Consider Yourself’. Shaylan Wright played Fagin’s sidekick Artful Dodger with archetypal confidence and swagger, his lead vocals on ‘Consider Yourself’ were carried off with aplomb.
Craig Armstrong was brilliant as Fagin. His character acting and vocals on ‘You’ve Got To Pick-A-Pocket Or Two’ and ‘Reviewing The Situation’ were fantastic, raised a smile and was really endearing as the lovable rogue.
Kayleigh Ann Strong was sensational as Nancy. Her vocals were fantastic on the character’s iconic song ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ and the catchy ragtime ‘Oom Pah Pah’. Her stage presence and character acting as the iconic female lead role were top notch.
The production was highly entertaining, the wider cast all massively played their part, Sam Hands as the menacing Bill Sykes, Simeon Green as Mr. Bumble, Rosemary Gresty as Widow Corney as well as the fantastic chorus, some of whom displayed their talent with ‘Who Will Buy?’ and the wider group dancing. Hats off as well to the younger cast members and was great to see such up and coming talent.
The set was laid out and used really well, set across two levels and the lighting and effects were well employed.
It’s a loveable family musical, iconic score, timeless characters faithfully brought to life with fantastic character acting. The production is on until 21st October with a Saturday matinee and you can get your tickets from the link here https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/oliver-stage-productions/regent-theatre/
