Oliver! By SALOS Wyvern Theatre, Swindon Until Saturday

SALOS are back at the Wyvern with their annual production this week, and this year they have returned to the stage with the musical Oliver!

An excellent stage set set the scene for a dark and Dickensian scenario, and was used well throughout the production. The plot moved from scene to scene effortlessly with the help of some good changes and lighting.

Russell and his team used the stage well for the huge cast of adults and children in the chorus numbers, and the costumes were good and of the period (unlike in the same production 12 years ago, when we had girls in white mop caps and frilly drawers). But from the opening I had concerns that the orchestra, although good, was a little too loud at times.

The principle characters played their roles well, as did the boys - Ben Canning, who played Oliver, and Charlie Lock as Dodger.

Stuart Dark was superb in the role of Mr Bumble, as he was 12 years ago. Jill Carter McCrae made a powerful Nancy, although she did speak a little fast at times. Her rendition of As Long As He Needs Me was sung with passion and her belter of a voice was well suited to the part.

The Sowerberry's, played by Ray Dance and Amy Grimshaw, were those smaller roles that you remember for all the right reasons.

But for me the outstanding role of the night came from James Canning as Fagin. He played it in his own style and sang as only he can.

There were moments on this first night which were lost completely when a mistake or forgotten cue spoilt the flow of dialogue. When you have seen Oliver as many times as I have you know where those mistakes occur. I'm sure first night nerves played a part.

That said, SALOS, Russell and his production team have once again put together an entertaining evening, which the audience thoroughly enjoyed. ROS HOLLANDS