MEMBERS of Evesham Operatic and Dramatic Society (EODS) are getting set offer up a musical treat that will leave you asking for more with their production of Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver!’
The show, featuring such well-known numbers as Consider Yourself, the raucous Oom-Pah-Pah, Food Glorious Food and the soul-searching As Long As
He Needs Me, is a first for EODS, although it’s not the first time they have tackled the work of Dickens.
The society’s first ever production back in 1882 featured The Pickwick Papers, so in many ways the group have come full circle to celebrate their 134th year.
Alongside the adult performers, directed by Alison Roberts and Amanda Golding, the show features two teams of talented local youngsters, who each took part in a day of workshop-style auditions to win their place in Fagin’s Gang.
Taking on the lead role of Oliver are Joshua Skidmore and James Cook, while Robbie Clear and Ronan Dooey are the very embodiment of the cheeky and loveable rogue, Dodger.
Gemma Bailey takes on the role of Nancy with Marcus Gilks making his debut musical lead as the sinister and brooding Bill Sykes.
Steve Roberts plays the scheming and money-hungry Fagin, while Polly Emily Taylor and Greg Sheppard-Pearson team up to play the mismatched Widow Corney and Mr Bumble.
Oliver! will be shown at Evesham Arts Centre from September 15 to 19 at 7.30pm with a further matinee performance at 2.30pm on September 19.
Tickets are £14 and £12 and are available from www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk or The Almonry on 01386 446944.
Visit www.eods.org.uk for further information
