Presented by: St Jude’s Players
Reviewed: 10 November, 2022
As a re-working of Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist, St Jude’s Players’ current production of Oliver Twisted is not what those familiar with the famous musical would be expecting. Or even those familiar with the book for that matter.
Set in present day Adelaide, Oliver Twisted is reasonably faithful to the original storyline, but with a modern twist and some gender swapping of some characters. Written and directed by Larry Waller, Dickens’ much loved story of the hardships of growing up as an orphan in mid-19th century London is not easily transposed into modern day Australia.
Many of the cast delivered their portrayals in a staccato-esque barking manner. With so many characters played this way, it must be at the direction of Waller. This gave the play a style reminiscent of a pantomime, only with no comedy relief.
Most enjoyable on stage was the character of Bill Sikes, played by Simon Lancione. Lancione gave us a Sikes who was easily believable and hateable. His intensity and aggression felt real, in a play where a lot seemed abstract.
There wasn’t much set to speak of, but the creative way in which blocks and set items were used to create the perception of environments was good. Costumes were also on the minimalist side, without detracting from the performance.
It’s great to see St Jude’s Players fostering such a young group of talented performers, but even more so it’s great to see them being exposed to something other than the same old musicals we seem to introduce the younger generations to first. This is an abstract, challenging, and dark piece of work, which is certain to expand the minds of those involved.
Reviewed by: Doug Phillips
Venue: St Jude’s Hall
Season: Until 19 Nov, 2022
Duration: 2.5 hours
Tickets: $15 – $25
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=960887&
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