A FABULOUS night of laughter and entertainment is in stall for the whole family when Theatre Whakatane’s latest production, Oliver, comes to our stage.

Under the direction of John Drummond (Into the Woods, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Addams Family), Oliver opens on Wednesday, September 25, and runs for two weeks. Tickets are available through iTicket and Theatre Whakatāne’s Facebook page.

“Rehearsals are going very well,” said Drummond.

“We have an outstanding cast, and Whakatāne audiences are in for an excellent night out of drama and laughter.”

Theatre Whakatāne president Andrew Smith, who plays the beloved Mr Bumble, said it was very much a family show, a heartwarming tale of an orphan’s quest for a better life.

The story, created for the stage by Lionel Bart and based on Charles Dickens’ book Oliver Twist, follows the young orphan Oliver Twist (played by Roger Blackburn) as he challenges the harsh conditions of his London orphanage. When Oliver is sold to an undertaker and subsequently escapes, he encounters the Artful Dodger (played by Jackson Gundersen) and is introduced to Fagin’s gang of pickpockets, said Smith. The story culminates in a heartwarming reunion with Oliver’s true family.

One memorable moment was when a cast member made a pot of gruel for the children to taste: “It was an incredible experience, and strangely, one child loved it so much they had three bowls,” said Smith.

The show features an early start time of 7pm on some evenings to accommodate families, and there are also matinee performances on the weekends.

Smith is proud of the large, talented cast of 36, including 14 young orphans.

“Fagin, played by Craig Davson, is one of the most incredible actors I’ve ever worked with,” he said.

Drummond said Fagin was one of the most sought-after roles in musical theatre, and Davson’s performance was one you did not want to miss.

The musical direction is in the capable hands of Maurice Reid, who has elevated the cast’s vocal performances to new heights. Choreographer Andie Martin has also crafted some impressive dance sequences," Drummond said.

Rodene Blackwell has the lead female role of Nancy and Drummond said audiences would be crying with her wonderful As Long As He Needs Me.

“The evil Sykes is played with devilish menace by Jaiden Ragozins, and there are fun roles such as Mr Bumble and Widow Corney (Sarah Holmes-Reid).”

The children’s chorus, portraying both orphans and Fagin’s gang, is another highlight.

“You do not want to miss these talented youngsters performing on stage.”

Memorable songs such as Food, Glorious Food “Consider Yourself, As Long As He Needs Me, and I’d Do Anything are sure to leave audiences humming long after the final curtain.

Drummond also praised the dedicated backstage team responsible for building sets, painting, creating costumes, props, lighting, sound, hair, and makeup.

“This is truly a team effort that Whakatāne can be proud to have as an important part of their community and audiences will have a great night out enjoying the talents of all these people.”