Oliver! proves to be a considerable hit

Oliver!West Bromwich Operatic Society, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Is there a catchier musical than Lional Bart's masterpiece?

Probably not when you take into account the way songs from this 1960 classic have lodged themselves in the nation's collective playlist.

From the opening 'Food, Glorious Food', through 'Consider Yourself' and 'I'd do Anything' to Fagin's final reprise of 'Reviewing the Situation', this soundtrack needs little introduction.

What it does need is great casting and the WBOS has got this absolutely spot on.

Maison Kelley's lively Artful Dodger and Steve Coussens' brilliantly menacing Bill Sykes are perfectly measured, while the outstanding Sarah Moors as Nancy lends the Victorian tale a feisty conscience and knits the whole thing together perfectly.

Special mention must go to nine-year-old Ben Evans, however, who looks born to play the title character and gives a performance far beyond his tender years, with pitch perfect singing blended with just the right mix of vulnerability and cheek.

Chris Sandhu's Widow Corney and Callum McArthur as Mr Bumble have great comic timing, as does Buster the dog which drew chuckles of admiration for the most impressive pair of animal extras seen at The Grand in many a year.

The key though is inevitably Fagin and Terry Gormley is magnificent as the pickpocketing shylock — his Black Country twang standing out among a sea of Cockney.

The stage set is on a par with many a professional performance as is the good-looking chorus line, which gives this show a real feel of West End style.

Consider yourselves quite brilliant.

*Oliver runs until Saturday.

Review by Keith Harrison. Add your praise to the performance by West Bromwich Operatic Society by posting your own review using the reply form below.