Musical a fine, fine production

The latest production by the Lincoln Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society is as slick as they come.

Oliver! at the Lincoln Theatre Royal until April 10 is polished to perfection.

It rumbles along at a fast pace, there are quick scene changes, charming character acting, sensational singing and dancing and a marvellous bunch of musicians to perform Lionel Bart's music.

Ben Poole is outstanding as Fagin and really reminds me of Ron Moody.

Although a crook, Ben makes his character a loveable rogue, with plenty of comical ad libs during Reviewing The Situation. His number, Pick A Pocket Or Two is a real showstopper and he certainly knows how to work an audience.

It is great to see Lyndon Warnsby back as the evil Bill Sykes. He really puts his blood-curdlingly deep voice to good use in My Name and certainly shows Bullseye, played by Murphy, who is boss.

I would not want to meet him down any dark alley.

Julia Canning makes a fantastic red-headed Nancy. Not only does she look the part but she excels in the powerful ballad, As Long As He Needs Me and It's A Fine Life with Bet, played by Jess Crosby.

Nancy's role is now being played by Nicci Turnbull.

James Sprague looks sweet and innocent as Oliver Twist, and has a nice voice, especially when he sings Where Is Love?

He is equally matched by the cheeky Artful Dodger, wonderfully played by Laurie Ley. He is great in Consider Yourself.

The roles of Oliver and Dodger are now being played by Jordan Hides and Harry Al-Adwani.

Chris Hayes, looking very much like Sir Harry Secombe as Mr Bumble and Imogen Phillis as Widow Corney are a scream.

Their song, I Shall Scream, is a sheer delight.

Martyn Skeates and Karen Ryan as the undertakers, Mr and Mrs Sowerberry, could give anyone a fright.

They make their creepy characters their own, especially in their rendition of That’s Your Funeral.

The youngsters give their all especially in Food, Glorious Food — walking down the workhouse stairs, banging on the tables and eating their gruel in time to the music.

I also like Fagin’s energetic gang in Be Back Soon. I especially liked Oom-Pah-Pah and Who Will Buy?

Director Matthew Hewitt, choreographer Jane Flanagan and musical director David Williams should be proud to have put on such an excellent production.

I am looking forward to seeing next year’s show already. I cannot wait to find out what it will be — DAB.