Month: May 2014

Strong cast auditioned for Oliver!

Director of Oliver! at The Hexagon theatre Reading, Berkshire, Matt Whitelock
Oliver! director Matt Whitelock

Auditions attracted a very large number of adults and children all vying to be a part of Reading Operatic Society’s production of Oliver! which will run from 24-27 September at The Hexagon theatre, Reading, Berkshire.

Director Matt Whitelock was bowled away by the quality. “Wow! What an incredible set of auditions for Oliver!” he stated. “From over 60 children that auditioned, 30 strong young people have been cast in the younger roles. I personally saw some performing last night in Starmaker’s production of 13 (currently at the Wilde Theatre Bracknell this week) and can say they sure do know how to work the stage.

“It was also great to see so many adults interested in the production as well, Matt continues. “The pre-audition workshops were a fun way to get to know each other and hear about the vision of the show. We have some real talent treading the boards in the principal roles and understudies are primed for the Saturday matinee if they work at their roles too. With a few numbers already blocked and ideas flowing for the show Oliver! promises to be a real great piece of theatre for Reading.”

Adult cast list

Bill Sykes – Richard Bott
Fagin – Damian Sollesse
Fagin understudy – Jim Tubbs-Galley
Nancy – Nicola Morrin
Nancy understudy – Ellie Ulrich
Mr Bumble – William Branston
Mr Bumble understudy – Andy Camichel
Widow Corney – Eve MacDonald
Widow Corney understudy – Sam Prior
Mr Sowerberry – Andrew Clarke
Mr Sowerberry understudy – Stuart Brookfield
Mrs Sowerberry – Anna Jennings
Mrs Sowerberry understudy – Amie Jones
Mr Brownlow – Andy Camichel
Mr Brownlow understudy – Gareth Watkins
Mrs Bedwin – Gloria Griffiths
Dr Grimwig – Stuart Neal
Strawberry Seller – Sherridan Povey
Rose Seller – Charley Woodward
Milkmaid – Charis McMaster
Knife-grinder – Sam Pemberton
Old Sally – Abi Clarke
Longsong Seller – Andrew Johnson
Oliver’s Mother – Lucy Herd

Ensemble boys

Craig Duffield
Phil Elliott
Eric Povey
Andrew Sears

Ensemble Girls

Sarah Abbott
Sara Beeton
Katie Cox
Gemma Didcock
Jane Hardcastle
Leanne Home
Nicky Jaggar
Claire Johnson
Maria Povey
Julia Sadler
Sophie Taylor
Jolene Walsh