Last week, Teignmouth Community School put on four outstanding performances of Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver!’ to packed out audiences. With pupils and staff rehearsing since September, the performances certainly highlighted their dedication, commitment and talent.
After rigorous auditions at the start of the academic year, the performing arts team had the hard job of selecting from a huge array of talent to match pupils to characters. From the lovable Dodger played wonderfully by Issy Vernall, George Moran’s convincingly evil Sikes, the villainous Fagin brilliantly realised by Spike Lidington, Olivia Chamberlin’s passionate Nancy and the excellent Elliott Viner as Oliver, every one of them wowed with their ability to take on these renowned roles. The audience was treated to incredible singing and acting talents from the whole cast of over 40 students and were left enwrapped by the acting and tapping along to every song.
With the help of the incredibly talented staff and student band, who provided musical entertainment, the backstage crew had their work cut out to transform the stage between scenes, but worked hard as a team to bring the scenes to life. The auditorium was transformed at various points in the show from Fagin’s grotty den, the hustle and bustle of London streets and the iconic London Bridge for Sikes’ and Nancy’s deaths.
The Director, Drama teacher Mr Mearns was keen to pay thanks to the many staff, parents and outside groups that supported the production. “We are tremendously fortunate to have a hugely supportive staff many of whom helped in the set construction, marketing as well as front of house and backstage support on the nights. In addition, groups such as the Dawlish Repertory Company and Shaftsbury Theatre, the Teignmouth Players and Dawlish College who lent us many costumes which were carefully altered by parents Amy McCarthy and Becky Booker and the Alice Cross Centre gave our cast the opportunity to test our songs out before the first night. This was a whole school and community production at its heart and we are very proud that we were able to give the community a show to remember.”
It will certainly be a hard act to follow with future shows, but with the talent on display this past week, we are sure it will be worth the wait!
