Operatic society is back for more
Newark Amateur Operatic Society can consider itself part of the furniture at the town’s Palace Theatre after performing there for decades.
Final rehearsals are under way for its spring show, Oliver! — the society’s 79th production.
It will run from Tuesday, March 28 to Saturday, April 1 — the fourth time the society has staged the musical.
The production, which tells the story of Oliver Twist, is based on a novel by Charles Dickens that was initially published in monthly instalments.
The musical, written by Lionel Bart in the 1960s, was first performed by the society in 1969 and the last time in 2005, when current show director Mike Follen played Bill Sikes.
He said there had been plenty of rehearsals and many dance routines to learn, but everyone had stepped up to the mark.
“Rehearsals are going well and we are sure that everyone will enjoy the show,” he said.
“Of course, we could not put it on without the support of the whole backstage crew who play a vital role in the smooth running of any production we do.”
Sam Barnard and Jack Trippett will share the role of Oliver. It is the first time Sam has been involved in one of the society’s productions, while Jack was in South Pacific last year.
Two boys will also share the role of Artful Dodger — Tommy-Lee Storr and Cody Harrison, who are both new faces for the society.
The principal cast includes Justin Day as Fagin; Lyndon Warnsby and Jo Dewberry as Bill Sikes and Nancy; Rachel Mitchell and Gary Bickmore as undertaker Mr Sowerberry and his wife; Kate Fenns as Widow Corney; and Peter Merrick as Mr Bumble.
Jenny Broddell,who plays Bet, made her debut with the society in the same part in the 2005 production.
Since then she has performed in a number of the society’s shows, including West Side Story, Guys And Dolls and The King And I.
Kieran Owen also returns to the cast of Oliver! He is in the chorus this time, but appeared in the 2005 production as one of the workhouse boys.
The show features classic songs including Oliver! Consider Yourself, You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two, Food Glorious Food, Be Back Soon and Oom-Pah-Pah.
Tickets are still available from the theatre box office.
Win tickets to the opening night
Advertiser readers have the chance to watch the opening night of Oliver! at the Palace Theatre, Newark, free.
Newark Amateur Operatic Society is offering tickets for a box for four people on Tuesday, March 28 as the prize in this easy-to-enter competition.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:
