The Inkling Volume 3

OLIVER! review
By David makalena
The school production this year was a rendition of the Dickens’
classic Oliver!. I can’t personally say if it is better than the West End
edition or the Oscar winning film adaptation because I’ve never seen
either. What I can say however is that SVC’s version has set the bar
high for the others; it is fantastic thanks to the enthusiastic
teachers, outstanding dance routines and phenomenal cast and
crew.
Let’s start with the teachers: Mr K, Miss Perry and Miss Bartley have
really pulled it out the bag this time. Not only does the play look, and
flow, great but the students involved have the same amount of
energy and dedication, showing that whatever they are doing, they
are doing it right.
One area that really stood out for the production was its’ dance
routines and musical numbers. Sung beautifully, choreographed
tremendously and performed like professionals, songs like Food
Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and Oom Pah Pah showed the
audience that Soham was here to put on a show - and a show they
would put on.
My favourite song, I’d Do Anything, was wonderfully performed by
William Smith, Freya Alexander, Callum Moffat and Sapphire Locke -
the four best performers of the show. Another song that really stood
out from the rest of the pack was Fine Life (Reprise). You may be
thinking, why the Reprise version? It was a performance
masterclass from the three heavyweight titans of the show: the
previously mentioned Callum Moffat and Sapphire Locke, and also
Isaac Stares as Bill Sykes.
Isaac was perfect casting for this villainous role. I mean a man who
grows sideburns to better his performance deserves immediate
attention.
I will take this moment to say that I was actually part of the
production team this year: as the highly contested lighting engineer.
I helped to bring the show to stage in its last week of rehearsals, but
the rest of the cast had upwards of three months to do the same.
The reason I chose to review the production this year was because,
even though I was on the tech desk every night helping the show run
smoothly, I got a front row seat each night so know the performance
inside out. Furthermore, even though I’m good friends with most of
the cast, that will not distract me from saying my true opinions - you
don’t scare me, Isaac.
Talking of Isaac, let’s talk again about Bill. I’ve known Isaac for three
years and in all that time, I didn’t know that a theatrical showman
was hiding underneath. When he was let loose, Isaac gave an
exceptional performance as Bill Sykes. He was able to latch onto
Bill’s villainous ideas and make them his own. Well done, mate, for a
great performance.
As previously mentioned, I thought that Will, Freya, Callum and
Sapphire gave the best performances of the show, but there are
loads more who will go unmentioned.
Zak Potts and Emma Gallop gave great performances as the
Sowerberry’s - That’s Your Funeral was a great song to listen to
each night thanks to their terrific voices. Torin Fahy and Emily
Gordon gave equally great performances as Mr Brownlow and Mrs
Bedwin respectfully. Congrats, guys, for a job well done, but sadly
there isn’t time to talk too much about you.
I don’t want to leave anyone out; I haven’t even mentioned Jake
Stearne and Katie Kirkpatrick as Mr Bumble and Widow Corney -
expert casting may I add. People who I have left out, I have this to
say to you: each and everyone of you should be proud. Your
individual energy and emotion brought together this special musical
that’ll be remembered as one of the greatest Soham productions
ever. So massive congratulations on creating such a memorable
show.
Now let's talk heavyweights. Sapphire Locke (as Nancy) gave the
operatic performance of her school career. Sapphire has taken part
in every school production since joining in Year 7 and Nancy is
definitely the culmination of all her great roles over the years. Her
song As Long As He Needs Me was sung beautifully - with some
great lighting and smoke work, may I add. Sapphire gave a
performance that I think she should be immensely proud of.
Whenever I told her of how good she was, Sapphire was very humble
- but why should you be? You put in the work and now it’s time to
reap the rewards.
Another person who should be reaping just as much, if not more
reward, is Freya Alexander - the Artful Dodger. Freya is a Year 7
student. Let that sink in for a minute. As a 12 year old student, Freya
has done an exceptional job at transforming into Dodger.
Everything: her accent, movements and costumes matches what
Dodger would have been like. I truly believe that Freya could turn
into the next Sapphire. If Freya was to perform in all five shows, then
the next batch of school productions will be all the more special
thanks to Freya’s masterful input. Go on, Freya, and prove to the
world what you are: a wonderful performer.
Comedy genius. Beautiful singer. A-Class actor. Not my words. The
words of Mr Fagin himself: Callum Moffat. Prior to being in Oliver!,
Callum was awarded the Liza Goddard Award for Comedy so I guess
comedy genius does have some backing to it. Beautiful singer can
not be solidly backed, but his performance of fan favourite
Reviewing the Situation not only delivered on a comedic level, but
also contained a wonderful singing voice. Finally, Callum’s acting
made everyone feel at ease on stage - being in a scene with Callum
was comforting yet threatening due to Fagin’s constant
improvisation. The man with the most laughs, Callum Moffat truly
took the character of Fagin and moulded it into his own. Gigantic
congratulations for the performance.
I’m sure I’m missing a character. What character could it possibly
be? From Oliver!? Oh yeah, the titular role of Oliver Twist - played by
William Smith. Once again, one of the four best performers of the
show is a Year 7. Will brought something to Oliver that I never
thought I’d see - heart. Oliver was relatable and that is thanks to
Will’s truly special performance. His voice was stunning; the bravery
it took to stand in front of 150 people under a burning spotlight and
sing Where Is Love? was something amazing to watch. Will needs to
follow Freya and become a true performer. With talent like this at
such a young age, Will can go far if he so desires and, along with
Freya, we could be seeing some of the greatest young performers in
the school.
I know that was very cringey. Aww isn’t it cute what he said about
Freya? Damn, he was nice to Callum! He’s being really kind to Will.
What an honour for Sapphire! I can say that I was forced to say all of
that about them - Mr K you owe me £5.
In reality, everyone was awful and it was painful to sit through every
night.
Well, that’s just not true.
As corny as it may seem, Oliver! really was something magical and a
production that I will never forget. The friends made, the times spent
together, and the memories forged will last forever thanks to the
wonderful art of Victorian London.
Congratulations once again to all of the cast and I would like to end
by repeating what Will said to me at the end of the final show: “That
might have just been the greatest three days of my life!”. Well Will,
consider yourself at home. Consider yourself part of the family.