Review: "OLIVER!" By Lionel Bart, adapted from Dickens. Directed by Sue Belsham, Musical Direction by Paul Belsham for Phoenix Players, May 1996. Reviewed by TONY MAGEE

What a delightful production of Oliver this was. From the moment the workhouse boys swarmed onto the stage singing Food Glorious Food, this performance had a confident feel about it.

Oliver is an adaptation by Lionel Bart of the book Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. To this already wonderful story has been added a really first class score - nearly every song is a gem in it's own right. 

This production, directed by Sue Belsham, with musical direction by Paul Belsham is simple and very effectively presented. The set is imaginative and convincing, the costumes, designed by Margaret Prideaux, are outstanding, the lighting appropriate.

The other major strong point of this show is the boundless enthusiasm of the cast. Every single performer puts everything into their performance and is simply having a great time! 

Oliver himself was effectively played by Kristian Risti, who with his gentle soprano voice and Christopher Robin looks delivered a consistent and enjoyable performance. The delicious role of Fagan is convincingly portrayed by theatre new comer, Michael Burgess. With a conveniently illusive European accent, Burgess delivered us a hard-line but somewhat compassionate Fagen - an endearing combination.

Sue Lake-Harris was excellent as Nancy, presenting a very creditable performance of As Long As he Needs Me, and Peter Brady made a very convincing and evil Bill Sykes.

The role of The Artful Dodger was outstandingly portrayed by Taimus Werner-Gibbings. His stage presentation is huge and combined with an excellent singing voice (his rendition of Consider Yourself was excellent) made for a wonderfully presented character. He does have a tendency to rush dialogue which is something that needs to be addressed but overall, a very fine performance.

Sara Carvalho displayed a beautiful singing voice in her small cameo role as the milk-maid in Who Will Buy whilst the smallest member of the cast, Jayden Cooke, captured the hearts of all the audience with his wonderful energy and huge smile.

The Three Cripples band led by pianist Leisa Keen provided excellent accompaniment and support throughout the performance.

A fun show presented by a very fun-loving cast. Great stuff.

Originally published in Muse Magazine (Canberra), June 1996