JENNY DE KLERK
TRANSPOSING the complexities of Charles Dickens’s novel on to a small stage is challenging, to say the least, but this company has achieved this several times.
Music and dance make this production accessible and it is neatly watered down so nothing is too scary or dark. Even so, I doubt younger children will fully understand the plot unless it is explained beforehand – it is aimed at ages six and above.
Oliver is always an appealing character, so innocent and polite; and using some of the language of Dickens is an interesting touch.
There are four Olivers for the run. I saw Samuel Hertz managing the role very capably, but I’m assured the others are equally good. There are also three casts of children rendering Food, Glorious Food in the workhouse, doubling as Fagin’s pickpockets in a spirited Consider Yourself and You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two, and filling various bit roles.
New in this production is a harmonious arrangement of Streets of London by the whole cast, which beautifully captures the loneliness of little Oliver as he wanders lost and desperate in the dark and dangerous city.
The adults handle their roles effectively; Luciano Zuppa is a rather cuddly Fagin, Kayli Elit Smith a delightfully nuanced Nancy, and Teekay Baloyi a slick and natural Artful Dodger. Ben Kgosimore gives Bill Sykes a menacing air, without going to any nightmarish extremes.
The nastiest character is undoubtedly Miles Petzer as Monks. Schoeman Smit is upright as the kind Mr Brownlow.
The set is detailed and neatly arranged and the production is well polished, with moments of humour and pathos. Certainly the children watching the show were silent and attentive.
An enrichment guide accompanies the production for schools, making this show entertaining and educational.