Published: Wednesday, 17th June, 2009 11:59am

Consider yourself well entertained!

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The Artful Dodger (Dylan Wood) invites Oliver (Hannah Sinclair) to become “one of us”.
Pic by: Jan van der Merwe

THE streets of Victorian London were brought to life by the talented cast of Forefront Children"s Theatre in their latest production, the smash-hit musical 'Oliver".

Packed houses at Alloa Town Hall were treated to the usual high standard of performance by Forefront"s youngsters, supported on this occasion by a number of 'older" performers.

The entertaining and well-choreographed dance routines for which the company is renowned were in evidence from the opening scenes as the workhouse orphans gathered for the 'appetising' meal of gruel.

And so began Oliver"s adventures as he steps forward to ask for more, launching a chain of events which sees him sold to an undertaker before running away, joining Fagin"s gang, being caught for pick-pocketing and being rescued by Mr Brownlow who takes him home, snatched by Nancy and the evil Bill Sykes and then returned to Mr Brownlow following a late-night rendezvous on London Bridge, which ends in murder and the shooting of Sykes.

Obviously, the star of the show is young Oliver, played on alternate nights by talented nine-year-olds Hannah Sinclair, of Clackmannan, and Calum Smith, of Tillicoultry.

Calum was on stage the night of my review and, for one so young, he charmed his audience in a role which seemed to be made just for him. He gave an excellent performance of Oliver"s solo 'Where is Love" and his facial expressions in different scenarios made him a very believable character.

Fortunately, Forefront"s show which was adapted by director Naidha Thomson included a second rendition of 'Where is Love" performed by the 'other" Oliver, so I also got to hear a version of the song by Hannah, who is a beautiful singer. She was on stage the night our photographer Jan van der Merwe was at the show and he said she was a wonderful performer.

Further outstanding performances were provided by Dylan Wood in the role of the Artful Dodger and Kara Swinney as Nancy.

Dylan obviously loved his role as the cheeky young thief and clearly enjoyed leading Oliver through 'Consider Yourself". Kara got the chance to display her powerful voice in the lively 'Oom-Pah-Pah" and 'As Long as He Needs Me", which she also sang in a captivating duet with Kirsten Whitfield, who played Bet.

Special mention should also go to Jim Stalker, the pick of the 'oldies", who received rapturous applause at the end of the show for his portrayal of Fagin. Jim is usually behind the scenes for Forefront productions but clearly deserved his place on stage.

All in all, another successful production from Scotland"s leading children"s theatre group. Oliver wasn"t the only one asking for more after this show.