The spirit of Dickensian London came to Craven last week in the form of Skipton Musical Theatre Company’s production of Oliver!
The production, which had been in rehearsals since May and is the theatre troupe’s annual performance for 2024, received standing ovations from Skipton Town Hall audiences during its five-day run.
The company, whose director is Jamesine Cundell-Walker, performed in colourful period costume (courtesy of Charades Theatrical Costume Hire) and sang favourites including Where is Love?, Food, Glorious Food, and Consider Yourself.
Jacob Bird portrayed the orphaned Oliver, who starts off in a dingy workhouse before being sold to an undertaker – and, in a laugh-along scene, ending up locked in a coffin from which Mr Bird was still able to throw his voice and create funny dialogue.
After a while on the run from his unsavoury new owners, Oliver ends up in London and falls in with Fagin (Neil Wilnes) and his crew, at whose head, both literally (as the tallest of Fagin’s band) and figuratively, is the Artful Dodger (Poppy Tetley).
The action continues from there with a host of further songs, all of which, in Skipton Musical Theatre Company’s production, were played live by an 11-piece orchestra.
Michael Gillroy, musical director, was conducting the orchestra behind a curtain, with a two-way camera feed keeping front- and back-of-stage synchronised for each performance.
As well as being a great success theatrically, the production has managed to raise £626.15 so far for SELFA, the Skipton-based children’s charity which runs a programme of activities for school-age children in North Yorkshire.
SELFA’s activities include health and wellbeing programmes and peer support groups.
The money was raised through collections at the performances, and via separate fundraising efforts by Skipton Musical Theatre Company.
A different charity is selected each year by the theatre troupe to receive its funds, with last year’s beneficiary having been Yorkshire Cancer Research (a fitting choice given that the production was Calendar Girls).
Ms Cundell-Walker said of this year's performances: “Bringing Oliver! to life has been an incredible journey.
“From the beautiful harmonies to the exciting choreography, this production showcases some of the finest talent in Skipton.
“We’ve worked hard to stay true to the heart of the story while adding our unique creative touches.”
Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on Skipton Musical Theatre Company’s Facebook page for details about next year’s show – which will also mark the company’s 100th anniversary.
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