CAN there be anyone who doesn't know the words and well-loved songs of Oliver – the Musical? Chosen by the Looe Theatre Company specifically for this reason, the production is a triumph. Performed by an enthusiastic cast of children and adults, the tale is full of wonderful characters. Oliver himself was well cast, played by Ieuan Jefferies and the audience were treated to a delightful and amusing performances by Mr Bumble (Martyn Pentecost) and Widow Corney (Alison Currah) who made much of the interesting stage arrangement to have a fight right down with the audience. Those devilish rogues Fagin – played brilliantly by Tony Bedden - and Bill Sykes (Ritchie Crane) kept the audience on the edge of their seats with their well crafted thieving, almost endearing greed and fearful malevolence, whilst the Artful Dodger (Amber Ward) and Nancy (Kira Phillips) brought charity, love and pathos in equal measure. The supporting cast, including the children in Fagin's Gang and the older players in the pub and the market scenes gave tremendous depth to this show. The splendid costumes and live music, under the direction of Catherine Burnham, provided the backdrop for a kaleidoscope of colour and stimulating dance routines, choreographed by Sheila Brock. The stage management and technical operation was immaculate and the stage crews must take credit for the smooth transition of scenes. The producer and director Val Cottrell must be congratulated for bringing together a large cast of performers and an impressive theatrical support team to deliver a very polished and entertaining show. You have another opportunity to see this show at the Sterts Theatre, Upton Cross on May 7.