REVIEW: Consider yourself invited to Ballina Players’ Oliver!
BALLINA Players may be a relatively small theatre company but its production of Oliver! is anything but diminutive.
Settling down in the Players' Swift Street venue, the show's opening minutes give a reasonable expectation of what's to come - a touching, intriguing and, at times, uproarious reproduction of Charles Dickens' classic novel Oliver Twist.
Landon Broadley takes on the role of Oliver, an orphan who's captured and sold to undertaker Mr Sowerberry before his mysterious past begins its gradual emergence.
Landon's performance accurately portrays Oliver's token innocence and his character is gleefully contrasted by actor Sam Green, who delivers a charismatic and amusing portrayal of the pickpocket, the Artful Dodger.
The production's choreography continually impresses, despite director Clem Halpin taking on the unenviable task of micromanaging more than 20 children.
The score is rousing and an ideal accompaniment to the show's stimulating and varied scenes.
Performances by the actors involved were strong and only a few minor, and largely unnoticed, hiccups were evident on opening night.
The production's set pieces are well conceived and the Players use them to their fullest, despite a relatively small space to work in.
Shows today, tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday, and many dates until July 4.
For times and to book visit the Ballina Players website.
