FROM the opening scene of Oliver and the children in the workhouse singing Food Glorious Food, I too wanted more. The impressive stage set, the great use of lighting and the music all added to the atmosphere of the sinister world of thieves and the contr

FROM the opening scene of Oliver and the children in the workhouse singing Food Glorious Food, I too wanted more. The impressive stage set, the great use of lighting and the music all added to the atmosphere of the sinister world of thieves and the contrasting life of people in Victorian London.

Oliver (Dominic Creasy) was wonderful. Innocent, adorable and with a delightful voice, he played it perfectly. In fact all the children were fantastic. The delightful Widow Corney (Adele Walker), in charge of the workhouse, and workhouse guardian Mr Bumble (Mick Wilson) were a joyous duo as they courted, singing I Shall Scream. Their expressions certainly put a smile on everyone's face!

Sold on from the workhouse, Oliver is unhappy, runs away and is rescued by Dodger and a gang of thieves led by Fagin, a wonderful performance by Simon Latter, who, as he demonstrated how to pick a pocket or two, I began to feel quite sorry for, after all he's got to earn a living! Sami-Jo Latter as Nancy was superb. Just the right amount of oomph as she showed us the caring side of humanity. At the inn when she sang Oom-Pah-Pah, with the chorus, you could feel the camaraderie and her joy for life which would soon be extinguished by the monstrous Bill Sykes (John Tripp).

I thought the finish disappointing, just a 'pop' from a gun? Well done to all you backstage workers and the Letchworth Arcadians at Stevenage Gordon Craig Theatre.

Maureen Millard