It was a packed house, each of the three nights (15th / 16th / 17th January) as Ely College students welcomed audiences into Needham’s Hall for their whole-school production of Lionel Bart’s OLIVER! After months of rehearsals and preparations, the College put on a spectacular performance worthy of the West End!
Ely College Principal, Simon Warburton praised the cast on opening night and exclaimed: “Let’s take it on tour!” “This was a show that would not have been out of place at the West End. The cast put on an inspirational performance each night, where the acting and singing were of such a high quality. Such a smooth opening night was a testament to their many talents and months of hard work.”
“It was particularly pleasing to see a cast that spanned the entire age range of the college and where the youngest of our performers really pushed the abilities of our older and more experienced students”; who in turn took lead on so many aspects, such as the challenging choreography. These colourful characters were brought to life by the main cast including Year 7’s Chloe Lee, playing the titular young orphan Oliver and Year 8 Alicia Clough, as the precocious Artful Dodger. What a duo! With a young ensemble and backstage crew driving the production forward, this year’s choice of musical truly felt like a passing of the torch, with Bishop Laney sixth former Joe Turner playing a complex Fagin and many of the exiting Year 11 cast reflected on their time at the college as they gave a speech at the end of closing night.
Taking turns to thank their teachers, they looked back on their collective past experiences, celebrating previous productions including The Caucasian Chalk Circle (2024), Little Shop of Horrors (2023) and School of Rock (2022). It was an emotional ending for Evie Bennet and Eleanor Wallman, who had sung their hearts out as Nancy and Bet, bringing light and love to this show with a right olde cockney knees-up! Notable performances from Charlie Sigrist (Mr Bumble), Tom Le Gresley (Mr Sowerberry) and Findlay Paul (Charley) brought the humour, whilst Year 10 Zac Tatum’s outstanding but contemptible Bill Sikes took us deep into the dark underbelly of Victorian London.
Oliver! was a first-time joint venture for co-director’s Jake Newton and Kate Arnold. Teacher of Music and Musical Director, Kate Arnold wanted to thank everyone for their support, especially parents who helped install overnight the staging and the skilful accompaniment provided by the professional and peripatetic pit band who: “brought this show to life with music.” Just days before the first public performance, she explained, the nerves were there and none of us would have believed just how spectacular it would be; students agreed.
"The final weekend before the show," said Year 10 Asia Glory (Mrs Sowerberry) "we finally came together on set as a cast and were able to improve all of our scenes. We sang and danced during our lunch breaks, everyone was fully committed!" Ben Lithe, who starred as Mr Browlow, added, "We became increasingly confident after the dress rehearsal. The backstage crew quickly iron out any kinks and despite being beyond tired after a full on week, as well as normal lessons, we are all so proud of what we have achieved together"
Still, said Teacher of Drama and Director Jake Newton: "That is the thrill of live theatre—when all of the separate elements come together at the last minute and create true magic. This cast and crew coalesced and found community with each other." Year 11 Catrin Andrews playing Widow Corney, said, "This is my third and last year performing in the musical, and I am incredibly proud of how this cast and crew succeeded together." She emphasized that none of the magic audiences saw on stage would have been possible were it not for the many teachers and parents who assisted behind the scenes or with the PTFA. She expressed gratitude for students and staff who ran the backstage, hair and make up as well the sound and lighting from the Trust’s technician. “We’ve made so many new friendships this year. The song asks ‘Where is Love?’ – it’s here in the heart of our school community.”
