Oliver!

 

Described by Andrew Lloyd Webber as "the father of the modern British musical', Lionel Bart was the sole creator, penning the book, music and lyrics for Oliver.

 

The first performance premiered at the Wimbledon Theatre, southwest London before opening in the West End on the 30June 1960, it marked the first successful musical adaptation of a Charles Dickens work to hit the stage.

 

This production ran for 2,618 performances, a record for a musical in London at the time.

 

In 1968 Lionel Bart received the Tony Award for Best Original Score.

 

With countless adaptations, revivals, and performances in schools and theatres across the country, it has cemented it's reputation as a firm favourite. The musical's themes of resilience, camaraderie, and the pursuit of a better life have resonated with generations of audiences, making it a cherished piece of British theatriall heritage.

 

The show was performed by the Belfrey Theatre, Wellington, Shropshire
from 12th to 14th July 2024

Please click on Playlist choices below

Photos courtesy of Joe and Ali Maclean and Society members.

The Production Team:

 

The Players:

 

Show Photos:

 

The Programme:

Production Team:

DIRECTOR - Annie Savage

MUSICAL DIRECTOR - Clare Foster

CHOREOGRAPHER - Heather Foster
COSTUMES - Annie Savage, Hebe Whitehouse with assistance from Lita Crooke
SOUND & PROJECTIONS - Brian Hughes

LIGHTING - Laura Delves

PROPS - Sam Saunders

SCENERY MOVERS - Xander Mayers, Oak Delves & other members of the cast
POSTER DESIGN - Ben Branson
PROGRAMMES - Heather Foster
YOUTH CO-ORDINATORS - Clare Foster & Sam Mayers
CHAPERONES - Becky White, Nicholas Brooke


We would also like to thank all of the parent helpers and front of house volunteers.

 

Cast:

 

Oliver Twist - Charlie Harbour/ Margrethe Bayliss
Mr Bumble - Simon Phillips
Widow Coney - Kay Britton
Matron - Jessica Lewis
Mr Sowerberry - Andy Reed
Mrs Sowerberry - Ali Maclean
Charlotte - Chloe Bushell
Noah Claypole - Ava Wood
The Artful Dodger - Eddie Lees/Aarick Williams
Fagin - John Britton
Charley Bates - Zac Wood
Bill Sikes - Dave Whyte
Nancy - Heather Foster
Bet - Lucy White
Mr Brownlow - Simon McCormick
Mrs Bedwin - Hannah Jones
Rose Sellers - Abigail Mayers & Ali Maclean
Milk Maidens - Clare Foster & Tia Crooke
Strawberry Sellers - Charlotte Jordan & Kimberlca Owen
Knife Grinders - Jack Cotton & Otis Francis
Ribbon Dancers - Effie-Rose Hamilton, Sam Mayers, Sam Saunders
Dr. Grimwig - Paul Stennings
Old Sally - Annie Savage
Bowstreet Runners - Joe Maclean & Jack Cotton
 
Senior & Adult Ensemble
 
Abigail Mayers, Ali Maclean, Ava Wood, Chloe Bushell, Clare Foster, Effie Rose Hamilton, Izzy Dowdall, Jack Lowe, Jack Cotton, Jessica Lewis, Joseph Maclean, Kimberlea Owen, Lilly Angeloff, Otis Francis, Sam Mayers, Sam Saunders, Tia Crooke