Reproduced from The Stretford and Urmston Messenger

I have to confess my first reaction to the news that Urmston Musical Theatre were staging Oliver! was something along the lines of " Oh no, not again". However, this society has the ability to breathe new life into shows which are done to death and their production of Lionel Bart's classic musical is no exception.

Cherubic looks alone aren't enough to carry off the lead role and Alistair Harwood has the sort of voice that turns your knees to jelly. It was used to stunning effect in the timeless tear jerker Where is love? A long successful career in amateur shows awaits this lad if he wants it.

Steve McGillivray wasn't quite slippery enough as Fagin but he successfully milked the role for its comic mileage. One of UMT's most gifted singers is undoubtedly Carol Smithies who played Bill Sykes' long suffering other 'alf Nancy. As Long As He Needs Me is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and boy, did Carol do it justice. Hang on to her at all costs UMT.

Bill Sykes is one of the best baddies ever written and Colin Titley oozed menace from the moment his foreboding form appeared like a spectre on the stage. Titley deserves a medal for defying the golden rule of showbusiness. Following the example of Oliver Reed in the movie, he was accompanied by a dog. Lucas, alias Bullseye, was on his best behaviour. Much to the relief of the cleaners at Urmston Sports Centre, if you know what I mean.

The children in the cast were brilliant, treating us to a rousing rendition of that seminal showstopper, Food, Glorious Food. With youngsters like thease, Urmston Musical Theatre has every good reason to feel optimistic about the future.

However, like all companies in North Trafford they need a proper theatre to perform in. You wouldn't expect Manchester United to play in the local park, would you?

Rick Bowen

Reproduced from The Noda Magazine

Oliver was the most widely successful British musical of the 1960s filled with memorable songs from 'Where Is Love?' to the comic masterpiece of 'Reviewing the Situation'. It is no wonder this Dickensian piece is continuously being revived by professional and amateur theatre.

This production had a solid ensemble cast and the dialogue was delivered with a sure touch of pace and variety. The main leads of Oliver (Alister Harwood), Fagin (Stephen McGillivary), and Nancy (Carole Smethies), were believable and the actors pulled out all the stops. Strong support came from Colin Titley as the murderously evil Bill Sykes while the illogical and volatile behaviour of Mrs Sowerberry was portrayed by Christine Perry.

The comedy was in the safe hands of John Walker in the guise of the Parish Beadle who has a great idea of his importance and who was kept firmly under the thumb of Widow Corney (Margaret Johnston). In the pit the MD conducted a brisk reading of the score and good costumes from Charades Costume Hire helped to make this a memorable Oliver. Congratulations to those members to whom I presented long service medals. I will see you all at Cinderella.

John Flay