School production of Oliver! leaves audience wanting more

A cast of 90 children in years seven and eight sang, danced and acted with complete conviction, energy and focus; they transported their audience to a dark Dickensian world of hungry urchins, pick-pockets, street-sellers and undertakers, with colourful characters and humour shining through the Victorian gloom.

The set, lighting and costumes worked their magic, all of which had involved a further team of pupils. Oliver was played by talented singer and actor Sam Fildes, aged 11 from Pendleton; Thomas Fee from Grindleton, also 11, had tremendous stage-presence as the Artful Dodger; 12 year old Paddy Murphy from Hurst Green was a mesmerizing Fagin and Molly Nutall from Whalley (aged 13) gave an excellent performance as Nancy.

This has been a terrific year of drama at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall. Impressive productions have included a memorable Christmas pantomime, two Shakespeare performances, and a production of Joseph and his amazing technicolor dreamcoat, performed by children in years three and four. Every child in the school has played a part in the school’s Centenaries Theatre, under the direction by Head of Drama Kate Hodkinson and her team.

Oliver (Sam Fildes, left) meets Nancy (Molly Nutall) and Fagin (Paddy Murphy). (s)