Salfordonline Entertainment

Posted by Editor on 26th August 2010 at 05:43 PM

Video: Ollie Wiva Twist at Salford Lowry

by Tom Rodgers

This engaging and creative twist on Charles Dickens' classic novel opened to a sold-out crowd at the Lowry last night.

A one-night-only piece of musical theatre, the show featured famous musical hits like You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two given a rap or R'n'B treatment.

The claustrophobic streets of Victorian London were transformed into Salford urban scenes onstage via an intriguing set design and high-quality production values, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, which gave the show a professional edge.

Some surprising musical arrangements, including a breakbeat reworking of Be Back Soon and 13-year old Molly Costello's As Long As he Needs Me, were particular highlights.

Ollie Wiva Twist was a theatre project set up by Salford Foundation to challenge negative perceptions of young people in Ordsall and Langworthy, and everything considered, it was a massive success.

There were outstanding performances from the young cast, including Jake O'Connor creating a brutal Bill Sykes, 13-year old Megan Rowe in the title role of Ollie and 18-year old Debbie Archer as Fagin.

The dancing was also well-choreographed and the demanding performances brought out the best in the Salford Foundation crew.

All told, 55 local young people from Buile Hill, the Albion High School and Oasis MediaCityUK schools took part, and by the end, were gagging to do it all over again.

Congratulations must go to the Salford Foundation team for putting on such an impressive production, can we please have some more?

Performers:

Ollie: Megan Rowe
Nancy: Molly Costello
Dodgie: Beth Macroy
Bill Sykes: Jake O'Connor
Bet: Olivia hinde
Mr Bumble: Bradley Gleave
Mrs Bumble: Katie Taylor
Landlady/Mrs Pike: Helena Van Der Zwan
Salford Rep: Grace Nkeshamena
Judge: Casey Flynn
Strawberry Seller: Delsa Gomes
Gang Member/Rapper: Ayanda Ndlovu
Dancer: Jennifer Lukanu
Milkmaid/Gang Member: Vanessa Cruz
Gang Member: Maryellen Brown
Charlie: Gaz Gwayagwaya
Gang Member: Aiden Nicholson
Knife Grinder/Gang Member: Danielle Fay
Dancer: Celeste Bitsindou
Busker/Judge: Emily McArthur
Strawberry Seller: Tapiwa Macksoni
Dancer: Phoncia Tsiaduah
Cast Member: Emmanuelle Lhoni
Amber O'Neill: Strawberry Seller
Dancer: Emi-Lee Cooper
Rapper/Gang Member: Nkululeko Dube
Dancer: Cephorat Bitsindou
Dancer: Amy Campbell
Gang Member: Rico Phiri

Crew

Choreographer: Funky Lou
Vocal Coach: Stuart Lumb
Director: Mark Stuart-Wood

Related Links

Watch the build up and rehearsals click here
Watch Salford Foundation's celebrations with Maxine Peake and Peter Hook click here

Comment by Guest ^{5th December 2010}
I was in the show myself and i thought it was an amazing experience, to perform on a stage, and show people our talents was awesome, and salford foundation have give me the confience to now sing infront of people, thankyou everyone for comming and watching the show:) (cast member-Bet, Olivia Hinde)

Comment by Guest ^{8th November 2010}
the idea of doing this show was pure genius and so apt in every way....it was incredibly professional and one that put into the powers of the right people would surely be a professional west end hit. the re-write and the music was inspirational and the young people delivered. this should a been televised. we heard about it on rock radio and we couldnt beleive it was only a fiver.

Comment by Guest ^{2nd September 2010}
Just like to say ,it shows that were there is no money theres lots of talent ! it shouldnt take the lottery to fund a event like this to get kids off the streets and for them to do something that they enjoy ...cut backs in kids and young adults should not happen so let the show go on ....

Comment by Guest ^{27th August 2010}
lovely to see Ordsall kids getting a good name for themselves at last!

Comment by Guest ^{27th August 2010}
"Ears syringing" referred to the comment saying he couldn't tell what Cllr Mashiter was saying.

Comment by Guest ^{27th August 2010}
The 4 lead roles Megan,Molly,Debbie and Jake were fantastic and Molly singing As long as he needs me was the highlite of the evening we want more bring it on Adam

Comment by Guest ^{27th August 2010}
fantastic show. Very creative and realistic. will watch if staged again lucia gwayagwaya guest and mother of one of the cast

Comment by Guest ^{27th August 2010}
I disagree with comment on ears syringing - some of the young people had excellent voices and what an opportunity by salford foundation www.salfordfoundation.org.uk to get those voices heard. well done all it was fab and well done to all involved you should be dead proud!

Comment by Guest ^{27th August 2010}
I watched this show and thought it was just fantastic, everything from the young actors to the dancing and singing was just fantastic, and you could tell that everyone on stage was really relishing the experience. Well done Salford Foundation.

Comment by Guest ^{27th August 2010}
Perhaps you need your ears syringing.

Comment by Guest ^{27th August 2010}
Can someone ask Councillor Mashiter to take some acting lesson as well, could not understand a word of what he was saying.

Comment by Guest ^{27th August 2010}
this show was immense and the response from the cast and the audience is that this show needs to have a reprise and be seen again and the young people want that as well. Please somebody give us the change and funding to do this show again. thanks

Comment by Guest ^{27th August 2010}
The show was a buzz

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