Cast of talented community members announced for the first Made in Colchester production to be presented in the Mercury Theatre’s temporary venue, Mercury at Abbey Field.
Mercury Theatre Colchester, Colchester Operatic Society and Colchester Operatic Society Second Edition are delighted to announce casting for their collaborative production of Oliver!.
Open auditions were held to scout the very best local talent for the show which will be one of the first held in the theatre’s temporary venue, Mercury at Abbey Field.
Leading the cast are talented youngsters Archie (Oliver) and Joss-Paul (Artful Dodger) who are both new to the society. Alongside them are some recognisable faces including Leanne Field as Nancy (Penny in COS’ Hairspray), Adam Woodhouse as Fagin (Director for COS’ Annie) & Wayne Setford as Bill Sikes (Lord Savage in COS’ Jekyll & Hyde). The role of Bet will be played by society newcomer Paisley Pascal, alumni of the Mercury Theatre’s Early Careers Training Programme.
Supporting cast members include Charlie Borg (Noah Claypole), David Chilton (Mr Bumble), Sally Fisher (Mrs Sowerberry), Andrew Hodgson (Mr Brownlow), Sophie Knights (Charlotte), Olly Medlicott (Dr. Grimwig), Amanda Powell (Widow Corney), Sarah White (Mrs Bedwin), Stuart Williams (Mr Sowerberry) and Sarah Young (Old Sally).
Picking a pocket or two as part of Fagin’s Gang will be Eva Balding, Esme Ball, Alec D’Arcy Jones, Lilly Dickie, Seb Eiden, Samuel Finan, Megan Fox, Millie Hack, Maddison Hawes, Dexter Inman, Albie Keeble, Nicholas McKeown, Toby Nee, Liv Newcomb, Sophie Parton, Connor Sweetman & Oliver Toms.
Joining Nancy at the Three Cripples Pub will be the fabulous ensemble including Holly Bird, Fiona Bocking, Maeve Borges, Abi Bower, Kate Cavill, Rebecca Clemens, Katie Cutmore, Carys Farndon, Celia Greaves, Claudia Haswell, Rebecka Larsson, Becki Lee, Sarah Lloyd, Lisa-Marie Milne, Claire Morris, Alanah Penwill, Sam Pilkington, Lisa Pordham, Koralia Salacuri, Adam Specter, Emma Theedom and Millie Watson.
The show will be Directed by the Mercury Theatre’s Creative Director Ryan McBryde (Pieces of String, Moll Flanders) with Choreography and Assistant Direction by Charlie Morgan (Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White), Musical Direction by Greg Arrowsmith (Snow White, Cinderella & Dick Whittington – London Palladium) and Assistant Musical Direction by Neil Somerville (Annie – Colchester Operatic Society). Designing the show is David Shields (Jack and the Beanstalk, Bang Bang), with Lighting Design by Tim Deiling (SIX – West End/UK Tour) and Sound Design by Christopher Bogg (Jack and the Beanstalk, Pieces of String).
Ryan McBryde, Creative Director at the Mercury Theatre said:
“I’ve been enjoying a fun start to my new job at the Mercury. My first task has been to direct Colchester Operatic Society in Oliver! alongside the young adult side of the company – CO2. I am amazed at how many talented local singers, dancers and actors there are in the area. Rehearsals have been a genuine delight and I can’t wait to get into our winter wonderland style tent to see them all in action.”
Katie Cutmore, Chairperson of Colchester Operatic Society said:
“Oliver! is a really unique production for our society as both our senior and junior members get the chance to work together led by the Mercury Theatre’s Creative Team. The casting for this show was tough, with so many talented members, plus many new members auditioning and we are proud of everyone for producing such a high standard of auditions. All those in the cast are working very hard at rehearsals, enjoying the experience and learning a lot from the inspiring creatives.”
Leanne Field, playing Nancy in Oliver! said:
“Having performed a number of varied roles I’ve found Nancy is the biggest challenge and I’m enjoying working on the character. It is such an iconic part and having performed as Dodger as a young girl I feel like I’ve grown up with the show. Rehearsals have been inspiring as we’re encouraged to really tap into the meaning and emotion of each conversation and song.”
Oliver! runs at Mercury at Abbey Field from Fri 27 Sep – Sat 12 Oct, tickets are available now. Book yours by phone 01206 573948, in person at Mercury Tickets or by following this link.
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