Panto review: Oliver Twist @ The Octagon Theatre, Bolton (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Panto review: Oliver Twist @ The Octagon Theatre, Bolton

2:50pm Friday 4th December 2009

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HERE is a confession. I have no great liking for Charles Dickens, particularly for his very Victorian habit of carping on, and the prospect of spending two hours watching a theatrical version of one of his novels which I had only come across in terribly cheesy musical format (and reality television) did not fill me with festive joy.

Nevertheless, the Octagon does have a reputation for fantastic Christmas shows which up until now I have never had the chance to experience first hand.

So here comes confession number two — I’m converted. I take it all back. Josette Bushell-Mingo’s re-imagining of Oliver Twist is cinematic, clever, great fun and a little bit scary — all the things that I loved about stories as a child.

With no teeth-grittingly corny tunes (not even a hint of the dreaded Pick a Pocket or Two), traditional Christmas carols, hymns and new songs have instead been used to tell parts of the story, woven through the dialogue in seamless fashion.

The set was fantastic, allowing the cast to move fluently around in the high-action dance and chase scenes. And costumes were also used to utmost effect, with a piece of fabric becoming a shawl, a blanket and even a baby swaddled in cloth.

Every actor, from the oldest to the youngest, was a joy to watch. Joseph Callaghan in the lead role of Oliver Twist had the right mixture of charm and naivety, which contrasted beautifully with the less-than-savoury characters who surrounded him.

Among the adult members of the cast there was not one weak link, with every single one giving outstanding performances in multiple roles.

Tim Frances balances comedy as the aptly-named Mr Bumble with raw cruelty as the murderous Bill Sykes, while Robert Pickavance was an audience favourite with his Jack Sparrow-esque Fagin.

And Esther Ruth Elliot provided a much-needed female perspective as Nancy, the kind-hearted moll whose love and loyalty have tragic consequences.

l Until January 23. Tickets £8.50-£15.95. To book, visit octagonbolton.co.uk or ring 01204 520661.

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