“PLEASE sir, I want some more” — and so did the audience after an amazing Oliver!

From the first rendition of Food Glorious Food from the young ragamuffins in the workhouse, the musical moved at such a fast pace, there was hardly time to draw breath.

And if Farnworth is empty this week, it is because most of the population is on stage!

The huge cast of more than 60 balanced their singing and choreography perfectly.

Everyone knows the story of the orphan Oliver who escapes the workhouse and falls in with the Fagin gang of pickpockets and is eventually found by his long lost grandfather.

Amid the fantastic singing and brilliant choreographer, the story seems incidental but the cast brought to life the Victorian era.

The enthusiasm and professionalism of the youngsters in the show was spellbinding.

Innocent Oliver was played with charming naivety by 12-year-old David Beeby in his first show with the company. Well done to him for enduring the yanking, pushing, pulling and general battering he gets. Hope the bruises are better soon, David! There were some lovely comedy cameos from Stanley Porter as Mr Bumble, the Beadle and his love interest, Widow Corney, played by Sharron Knott.

One young man with a showbusiness career ahead of him is Artful Dodger Ashley Margolis whose crafty Cockney character was one of the highlights. Ashley, who has just landed a part in TV’s Hollyoaks, was a perfect foil to the young Oliver.

Fagin was Kevin Rawcliffe who almost matched the original Ron Moody character.

Another new comer was Mike Wignall whose menacing baddie, Bill Sykes, brought a sinister shadow to the show, especially the scene where he brutally slays his beautiful girlfriend Nancy, bringing a gasp from the audience.

But the show stopper was Kate Gregory’s performance as Nancy. Another first-timer with the company, Kate, who reached the final 100 in the TV show “I’d do anything” to find a new Nancy, brought drama and emotion to the role and hankies are needed for her “As long as he needs me.”

And the backroom boys must get a mention for the set, the lighting and the great music: David Wilson, musical director, Robert Margolis, artistic director, and Christian Brabin, choreographer — you would have made Lionel Bart proud.

I would like to say rush out and buy a ticket, but I am told there are only a handful left, so be quick.

Oliver!

Farnworth Performing Arts Company Albert Halls, Bolton.

  • Runs until Saturday
  • Tickets, ring 01204 334400