Residents are being warned that crime in Spennymoor could increase during the period February 7th to the 9th!
Intelligence suggests that a band of young pickpockets led by the notorious Fagin (aka George Morgan-Watson) will take up lodgings in Spennymoor Town Hall. They are known to be travelling with a young missing boy called Oliver Twist (aka Alfie Stephenson).
However, there is no need to panic, as they are all members of the cast of Lionel Bart’s Hit Musical Oliver, to be performed by a group of forty youngsters from Spennymoor Youth Theatre Group, and will be returned to their home at Spennymoor Settlement after the show.
Directed by Louise Defty, choreographed by Holly Welsh and with Tim Jasper and company providing the live music, this new production has a number of newcomers taking part.
Echoing the first north east production of Oliver, 50 years ago in Newcastle, when the lead part was advertised locally, and awarded to 11-year-old Geoffrey White from Westerhope, who had no previous theatrical experience, this production features Alfie Stephenson as Oliver, who is new to the group, and also has no previous musical theatre experience.
However he and all members of the cast have worked so very hard to bring this show to the stage, as will be witnessed by the audience.
The show also features Amy Gatland as The Artful Dodger, Brandon Sherrington as Bill Sykes, Charlie Jackson as Nancy, Zac Greenman as Mr Bumble, Megs Defty as Widow Corney/rose seller, Jack Cole as Mr, Sowerberry, Faith McDermott as Mrs, Sowerberry, Natasha Witton as Charlotte, Ben Clayton as Noah Claypole, Freya Graham as Bet, Tom Dunn as Mr Brownlow, Bethany Wanless as Mrs Bedwin, Amy Lowes as Old Sally, Gina Stephenson as Dr. Grimwig, Charlie Best as Charley Bates and Millie Copeland as the Milkmaid.
The cast is supported by a host of other young performers who play the parts of the orphanage inmates, Fagin’s gang, Three Cripples patrons and other roles.
Evening performances, which take place on Thursday 7th February, Friday 8th and Saturday 9th, will begin at 7pm, with an additional Saturday matinee performance beginning at 2pm.
Tickets, which are just £8 each, can be purchased online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/spennymoor-youth-theatre-group-performing-arts-school.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
