Matthew Reeve’s musical direction and Christie Gowan’s choreography both contributed to make this production, which of course includes all the classic songs like ‘Food Glorious Food’, ‘Consider Yourself’, ‘Oom-Pah-Pah’ or ‘Who Will Buy’ an entertaining experience for young and old. All the cast (of which I simply cannot mentioned every single one by name) should be applauded for their hard work!

The bleak and sombre staging creates a depressing atmosphere, the mood lifts when we reach the chorus of Food Glorious Food, an optimistic and charming song performed incredibly well by the large cast.

It was great to see the live band in the pit smiling as they performed… But what of the performers that tread this very stage? I will have to say, that without a doubt Taylor Torkington who plays Oliver himself, is probably one of the best singers I’ve ever heard in my life! His singing is so good and clear, that it almost has an otherworldly quality to it! And his acting of Oliver was also very earnest, which certainly suits the characters’ nature. Ellie Campbell who plays the deluded Nancy is also a fine singer and her rendition of “As Long As He Needs Me”, is certainly one of the highlights of the show. Let us not forget the sterling performance of Aaron Kavanagh as wily old Fagin, who manages to steal every scene that he’s in. And although he’s playing something of a mischievous trickster, he does imbue it with a great deal of humanity as well.