Saint Kentigern Boys’ School presents, Oliver!

The lights dim in JC Chalmers Hall, the curtains part, and a scrawny little boy emerges. No longer Sachin Matheson, as his friends and family know him. Instead, for the last three nights he has gone by Oliver Twist, the title character of this year’s Boys’ School production Oliver!

Two years in the making with Covid and public holiday delays, the long-awaited production of the Charles Dickens classic, reimagined as a musical, went off without a hitch. Each show was packed out with staff, family and friends there to support the boys.

The show was bursting with the West End tunes we all know and love. An action-packed Act I followed Oliver from the orphanage to his encounter with Fagin’s gang. The audience was left in suspense after Oliver’s unfortunate encounter with the authorities right before intermission. As audience members settled back in for Act II, arms full of sweets from the concession, the second half brightly brought back an old favourite song, Oom-Pah-Pah, that had them swaying in their seats. Featured in this half was a standout solo performance from Nancy played by Oliver Bennett. As his character wrestled between heart and head, he sang the heart-wrenching As Long as He Loves Me, showcasing his incredible range.

As all good stories end, Oliver’s reunion with Mr Brownlow filled him with hope for the future. From being a parentless boy in a grungy English orphanage to having a loving family of his own, the audience was impressed by the empowering message.

The boys’ final bow was met with loud cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd. All in attendance will agree that the boys were outstanding in delivering an engaging, entertaining and polished production from beginning to end.

As the cast took a seat for Principal Mr Peter Cassie’s acknowledgements, it was clear from the joy on their faces that this was a moment they would remember for a lifetime. Mr Cassie said, “Well done boys for your outstanding performance over three nights in the last week of the term. It was spectacular and I assure you that your involvement in this production will be one you will never forget.”

A production of this magnitude would not be possible without the energy, creativity, and time of many hands. Congratulations to all involved in creating Oliver!, including the cast, crew and parents who made these performances a success. A special thank you to Rachelle Duncan and Sabine Barrett who directed the show incredibly, Georgina Jarvis and Janet Grierson for musical direction, and to the producer Louise Miles. Your expertise enabled a first-class show to be put on.

We can’t wait to hear the plans for next year’s production!