MUSICAL THEATRE: Castaway Theatre Group can relax – for a few days!

MEMBERS of the Yeovil-based Castaway Theatre Group will be able to relax this week following the successful sell-out production of the Oliver! musical at the Swan Theatre.

The five performances of Lionel Bart’s famous musical were played out in front of packed audiences at the Swan and the all-youth cast has received lots of great complimentary messages.

The show was directed and choreographed by Sheila Driver, no stranger to local drama and musical groups in Yeovil and Somerset, but it was the first time she had worked on a Castaway production.

“Working with children is both a joy and a challenge,” she said in the production programme. “The challenge has been to channel all their energy and exuberance onto the stage and the joy to see them performing to an audience.

“When I was asked to direct Oliver – I jumped at the chance.”

The leader and inspiration behind Castaway, Lynn Lee Brown, was assistant director and producer and she has been bowled over by the children once again with their infection performances.

“It has been hard work with such a large cast, but I hope everyone enjoyed our production,” she said.

“Myself and all the Castaways would like to thank Sheila for all her hard work and patience. I’d also like to say special thanks to Andrea MacLauchlan, Tammie Lloyd, Kirsty Beaumont and Linda Bowler for their commitment and hard work.”

But although the Castaway group now has a few days off – it is back to work this weekend with auditions for the group’s annual pantomime which next year will be Babes in the Wood.

Cast: Oliver Twist, Ashley MacLauchlan (Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Evening), Harrison Caine (Thursday & Saturday Matinee); Mr Bumble, Ryan Farrand; Widow Corney, Lois Froude; Mr Sowerberry, Sam Hardwill; Mrs Sowerberry, Lorna Clark; Charlotte, Libby Osmond; Noah Claypole, Liam Beard; Artful Dodger, Vini Lloyd (Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Evening), Louis Rolley (Thursday & Saturday Matinee); Fagin, Jack Osmond; Nancy, Louise Cannon (Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Evening), Olivia MacGregor (Thursday and Saturday Matinee); Bet, Beth Irvine; Mr Brownlow, Harry Stallard; Bill Sykes, James Bacon; Rose Seller, Emily Parsons; Milkmaid, Alannya Blackmore; Strawberry Seller, Olivia MacGregor (Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Evening), Louise Cannon (Thursday & Saturday Matinee); Knife Grinder, Liam Beard; Long Song Seller, Sam Hardwill; Mrs Bedwin, Khloe Farrant; Dr Grimwig, Nick MacCormack; Bookshop Girl, Lauren Blackmore; Old Sally, Lorna Clark; Old Lady, Natesha Abbott.

Fagin’s Gang: Eloise Bacon, Molly Beaumont, Jessamy Bowditch, Rosie Broughton, Lauren Bridges, Harrison Caine, Freya Cooper, Gabi Cross, Jacob Edwards, Ollie Edwards, Anatastacia Hayward, Libby Irvine, Bonnie Kawar, Vini Lloyd, Ashley MacLauchlan, Izzy MacGregor, Lauren Martin, Libby Osmond, Lexi O’Sullivan, Louis Rolley and Lucy Wotton.

Chorus: Natesha Abbott, Liam Beard, Alannya Blackmore, Lauren Blackmore, Louise Cannon, Lydia Cross, Sophie Edon, Josie Farrant, Khloe Farrant, Sam Hardwill, Megan Irvine, Grace Light, Nick MacCormack, Olivia MacGregor, India Margetts, Alice Parry, Emily Parsons, Alicia Rolley, Harry Stallard, Ellie Warman and Charlotte Zimmerman.

Team Oliver (Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Evening): Joshua Beaumont, Chloe Gough, Neve Irvine, Isabella Pincombe, Farrah Taylor & Jayden Williams.

Team Twist (Thursday & Saturday Matinee): Angelique Boxall, Evie Brown, Joshua Budzynski, Laura Budzynski, Charlotte Caine & Poppy Knapman.

Production: Director/choreographer, Sheila Driver; producer/assistant director, Lynn Lee Brown; musical director, Helen Geen; assistant musical director, Tammie Lloyd.

Band: Clarinet, Sharon Bowditch; flute/piccolo, Jackie Brown; percussion, Cassie Reynolds; violin, Beth Church; piano, Kate Stevens.

Castaway team: Secretary/treasurer, Andrea MacLauchlan; dance captain, Kirsty Beaumont; audio rehearsal music, Tammie Lloyd; prompt, Kerrie Froude; caller, Kirsty Beaumont; stage manager, Vicky Hallett; assistant stage manager, Mark Batterbury; backstage crew, Len Barry, Jack Lowder, Peter Morris, Colin Nichols, Craig Price, Wes Read, John Sutton, Graham Waddleton; set designed and built by, Mark Batterbury & Dennis Wreyford; art work for set, Angela Harland & Joyce Harland; props, Pauline Warren & Sharon Hansford; sound, David Riley; lighting, Chris Handcock; follow spot, Jen Taylor; hairdresser, Pat White, assisted by Lynne Crane; make-up, Lotitia White, assisted by Lucy Crane; wardrobe, Joyce Harland & Lyn Malbon; costumiers, Eclectica Costume Hire; Fagin’s wig supplier, Derek Easton Wigs; dressers, Julie Burt, Betty Dunnigan & Diane Jameison; raffle organised by, Ann Dalley & Christine Owen.

Front of House: Andrea MacLauchlan, Claire Batterbury, Sarah Parsons, Louise Cross, Kim Edon, Doreen MacGregor, Amanda Farrand, Nick Mountjoy, Andrew Blackmore and Chris White.

Army of chaperones: Linda Bowler, Andrea MacLauchlan, Kirsty Beaumont, Hannah Parry, Jo Kawar, Doreen MacGregor, Amanda Lowder, Kerry Tavener, Lucy Bacon, Claire Hodgson, Claire Hayward, Karen Caine, Claire Chilcott, Tammie Lloyd plus many more!

Thanks to: Swan Theatre; Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society; Derek Brown (Tiger); David MacLauchlan; The Octagon Theatre; Jean Rudd; Ben Tubridy & India Lloyd.

And a special mention to Benson, an 18-month-old French Bulldog, who played the role of Bill Sykes’ dog Bulls Eye.
For photos from the show – check out these four picture galleries below.

Photo Gallery 1: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2014/07/23/castaway-theatre-group-and-oliver-part-1-july-2014/.

Photo Gallery 2: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2014/07/23/castaway-theatre-group-and-oliver-part-2-july-2014/.

Photo Gallery 3: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2014/07/30/castaway-theatre-group-and-oliver-part-3-july-2014/.

Photo Gallery 4: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2014/07/31/castaway-theatre-group-and-oliver-part-4-july-2014/.

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