Oliver Twist At Hull Truck

The imposing set design (Patrick Connellan) towered over us all as we moved stealthily in the mist to take our seats for Hull Truck’s Christmas production this year, Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens’ classic novel, adapted by playwright Deborah McAndrew, and directed by Mark Babych.

Most of us are familiar with the storyline, especially Oliver’s famous plea, “Please, sir, I want some more,” to Mr Bumble (portrayed with wonderful bumptiousness by Andrew Whitehead) in the workhouse scene; this was an excellent introduction to Dickens’ work for a young audience. Young company member Vivienne Rowland moved hearts with her performance in the lead role of Oliver Twist, encompassing innocence and purity, particularly in the scenes in front of the magistrate, and with kind-hearted Mr Brownlow (William Relton) and gentle Rose (Jessica Jolleys), then later with wily Fagin (Lisa Howard) and Artful Dodger (Zak Robinson).

What a joy this production was to experience, with a mix of rousing carols, traditional songs, and original music composed and directed by John Biddle, all of which moved the story on at a cracking pace, just right for engaging a family audience.

The multi-roling, talented professional cast were joined by Young Company, drawn from Hull Truck Youth Theatre and the Northern Academy of Performing Arts, who performed with confidence and conviction. This production was an inspired alternative to a panto, but as well as dark themes, there was lots of levity too (oh yes there was!). – Alison Fitzjohn put the sour into Mrs Sowerberry; she was a real sourpuss matched by the antics of her mean, mangy cat – it was purrfect comedy and pure panto fun. There were definitely times too when you wanted to boo baddie Bill Sikes. Christopher D. Hunt was outstanding in the role; with his sinister presence, swagger and stance, he was seriously scary and a horrible bully to all, particularly kind-hearted Nancy (Alyce Liburd).

You went through a roller coaster of emotions in this show, from the depths of despair and sadness (in particular when Nancy met a grim death offstage at the hands of evil Bill Sikes) to the heights of joy and happiness and a magical finale.

We all love a happy ending, and such was the combination of the quality acting, singing, dancing, costumes and atmospheric music and lighting that it was tempting to shout out, “We want more!”

Robyn McIntyre & Lisa Howard Photo: Tom Arran

Oliver continues until 4th January