WHAT a superb show Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society have put together for their 90th year!

Not only does Lionel Bart’s musical boast one terrific song after another, but it is also full of characters ripe for the plucking by the society’s talented performers, who have been directed and choreographed by Gail Lowe, with musical direction from Michael Hutton.

A dual system is in operation so, depending on the night you attend, you’ll see either the Charles or the Dickens team of kids performing, along with their respective Oliver (Ryan Hawkes and Reuben Overton) and Dodger (Jarath Kilgour and Jack Baldwin). It’s fantastic that the nicely compact two and a half hour show opens with a display of their winning youth and enthusiasm, kicking up a storm for Food Glorious Food. First night nerves saw the number run away a little, but it was all perfectly understandable and endearing!

There was even a fantastic frisson of excitement tangible in the theatre as Oliver asked for some more, testament to the enduring power of this tale in its author’s 200 th anniversary year.

I saw Ryan and Jarath, and their Consider Yourself was a charming success. Jarath has that essential – and adorable - cheeky chap quality without which the Dodger wouldn’t be right. Well done, boys.

The society’s chairman Caroline Price mentions in her introduction that this production has a strong principal cast, and as each enters you’ll be repeatedly impressed anew at just what they’ve been able to come up with.

Kathy May-Miller and Tim Price have a ball as Widow Corney and Mr Bumble, flirting their way towards marital strife in I Shall Scream, and a wonderful Simon Eastwood and Carlie Cohen are fantastically fun and ghoulish as undertakers Mr and Mrs Sowerberry, revelling in every moment of That’s Your Funeral.

Hayley Cheesworth is beautiful, buxom and brilliant as poor old Nancy, made even more tragic by the vicious Bill Sykes given to us by a terrifying Ian Spud Smith. I’ve seldom heard such appreciative boos, inspired by his shouting his name so menacingly that every brick in the building shook! We mustn’t forget his beloved dog, Bullseye, played with great spirit by Dizzy.

And it’s a big welcome back to a Basingstoke stage for David Izzo, who channels the spirit of Ron Moody quite magnificently as Fagin, despite his relatively tender age. He’s almost unrecognisable behind that beard but he’s so, so good, hunching mischievously, twiddling his fingers and delivering the standout solo of the night with Reviewing the Situation.

It has been quite a number of years since I had the pleasure of reviewing his performances. I sincerely hope that he does not leave it so long again.


Tickets: 01256 844244, anvilarts.org.uk