"What a superb show. Keeley Kilby as 'Nancy' was wonderful, she has an outstanding voice. Phil, as usual was excellent. Looking forward to next year's production."
Audience member - Tom via the web.
"Oliver, Lyceum Theatre
Sheffield Teachers' Operatic Society's version of Oliver is a triumph. I saw the 1968 film as a child but I had forgotten that without exception each and every song is a corker. The music, lyrics and book, are all written by the talented Lionel Bart.
Director Sue McCormick raises the performances above and beyond "amateur" status.
The popular musical, based on the novel by Charles Dickens, finds poor Oliver orphaned and hungry and stuck in a non too salubrious workhouse.
After he utters the immortal phrase, "Please sir, I want some more" he is sold to an undertaker by a shocked, overfed Bumble (well played by David Jefferson). He duly escapes and meets the seemingly affable Artful Dodger and boss Fagin and matriarch figure Nancy. He also encounters the rather less avuncular Bill Sykes.
The songs are fabulous while the singing, dancing and costumes are great and the lighting and set spot on. The live orchestra was terrific especially a violin solo in Fagin's Reviewing the Situation.
Paddy Appelqvist was a little quiet and withdrawn playing Oliver but young John Saxton as the Artful Dodger put in a bold and confident performance. I enjoyed Phil Brownhill's Fagin, "shut up and drink your gin" he yells at one poor urchin. Keeley Kilby was great as tragic Nancy. "
Stephen Grigg.
You will have to 'pick a pocket or two' to get a ticket to see Sheffield Teachers' Operatic Society's production of this ever-popular musical.
Every performance is a sell-out, creating a record for an amateur show at the Lyceum.
Amateur? It borders on professional and can be thus described in places, so don't expect many returns once it filters down the grapevine as to how good it is.
Sue McCormick's excellent, spendidly-costumed production round a realistic set is well-paced with first rate movement.
This reaches a genuine showstopping level in the set pieces, aided by conductor Anna Wright's strong musical values and Claire Harriott's unfussy choreography, especially Oom-Pah-Pah led by the terrific Keeley Kilby.
By any criteria of judgement, she is a marvellous Nancy, both vocally and dramatically. As Long as He Needs Me is an effortless outpouring of realisation that she hopelessly loves the thuggish Bill Sykes, not a tortured Shirley Bassey-style torch song.
As to her credentials as a stright actress, witness the scene where she turns on her brutish beau.
Owing much to Ron Moody, Phil Brownhill is outstanding as a cackling Fagin and the whole large cast is superb, each member, cameo or more substantial part, being inside their role.
Wholly admirable and well-drilled, the yellow team of boys, alternating performanes with a green team, were on duty on the opening night, the treble-voiced Paddy Appelqvist being an appealing, lovable Oliver and the more aptly energetic-voiced John Saxton a believable Artful Dodger."
Bernard Lee
Sheffield Telegraphn Friday 21 November 2008.
"Congratulations to the Production Team (dare I call them three formidable ladies!!!). The orchestra was a delight to listen to and for once the Sheffield audience didn't talk the whole way through the overture, probably due to the action on stage. The set worked very well and together with good lighting and sound, brought the show to life. Everyone from Bullseye, the boys (as the saying goes "Never act with children and animals" - but they didn't completely steal the show) to principals and chorus all helped to make this a first class production. Congratulations on your record breaking run for amateur theatre groups with full houses at all 6 performances at the Lyceum Theatre."
Mary Titterton, NODA Regional Representative.