ISSUE 217 DECEMBER 2025
Oliver at Hull Truck; a fabulous family show... not to be missed
Review by Andrew Sugden
Photos by Tom Arran
Mist and fog set the stage to create an atmospheric and mysterious scene.
The night opens with beautiful harmonies from the ensemble of actors, a joyful upbeat carol opening, with lots of smiles and happiness and open body language, then the major chords dissolve into minor and dissonant dark undertones, creating a sense of foreboding.
Original music intertwines with echoes of Christmas carols. The group of young actors on the terrace above, join the throng. A fantastic young company shining brightly, passionately on stage throughout the play. This next generation of local actors, bright-eyed, vibrant, creative, performed skilfully.
Tickets for Oliver Twist are available now and can be purchased via www.hulltruck.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01482 323638.
Meanwhile, in a hysterically comic romance, Alison Fitzjohn's hilarious yet delightfully callous portrayal of Widow Corney, perfectly blends with her partnership with Mr Bumble.
She is the hypocritical matron who runs the workhouse, self-serving, power-hungry, greedy, and materialistic who prioritises her own comfort and material gain over the well-being of the paupers and orphans in her care.
Sophia Pike as Oliver Twist
Oliver, played wonderfully by Sophia Pike, slight in stature, robust and resilient in personality, takes the story through classic fast paced scenes in the workhouse and undertakers, and carries the story and Oliver's defiance, along a seventy mile escape to London, where with strong morals, and a gentle spirit, he resists the criminal underworld he encounters. But will he find what he is searching for… a home, a place to belong?
Andrew Whitehead as Mr Bumble
Fagin's most skilled young pickpocket a cunning, street-smart boy who acts and dresses like a much older man in oversized clothes, wearing an adult's coat that reaches his heels and a hat perched precariously on his head, slouching, hands hidden in his pockets.
Lisa Howard as Fagin
Fagin's terror of being caught becomes an obsessive, selfish fear when Oliver goes missing, and he conjures up a plan, manipulating Sikes and 'Dodger' to find and kidnap Oliver.
Alyce Liburd plays Nancy as vibrant and tough but deeply conflicted… portraying a complex 'fallen' young woman in Fagin's criminal gang. She befriends Oliver and tries to protect him, struggling between her harsh life and an innate kindness. Will sacrificing herself protect Oliver? Will showing a capacity for good amidst deep vice save her from the abusive Sikes?
Christopher D. Hunt plays Sikes, a dark, bullying character, perfectly. Bill Sikes' is cruel, vicious, and barbaric, too much even for the company of Fagin's gang. He lives in social isolation, frequenting the taverns. Despite his disagreeable disposition, Sikes' has his girlfriend, Nancy. But he is violent and cruel towards her.
Christopher D. Hunt plays Sikes
Deserted by 'Dodger', and in police custody, Oliver meets Mr Brownlow, and Rose.
William Relton plays Mr Brownlow portraying, a kind, wealthy, bookish gentleman who embodies consistent goodness, compassion, and a strong sense of justice. Initially, he is impatient, testing Oliver's honesty.
Olivers dissapearance drives him to action, his benevolent impulses kicking in. But can he recognise Oliver's innocence?
Courted with splendid farcical humour by the pompous parish beadle, Mr. Bumble. They marry, but she soon dominates and 'henpecks' him into a miserable marriage. She plays a crucial role in the mystery of Oliver's origins. Mrs Bumble (as she now is) has the stolen locket. But will she reveal this to Mr Brounlow? Can this help Oliver discover who he is?
Can Mr Brownlow and Rose rescue Oliver, and finally find the home where he belongs?…
... Well, you will have to come and see the play to find out.
What I can tell you…
Alison Fitz John as Mrs Sowerberry and William Relton as Mr Sowerberry
Deborah McAndrew has written delightfully, with a sprinkle of theatre magic, making it fun and exciting whilst remaining close to Dickens original story, and the actors flesh out the personalities of the characters well. It's a story of love, hardship and family… A discovery of belonging.
Throughout the performance, Patrick Connellan's simple but effective stage setting lets the audience's imagination play out with the actions of the actors.
William Relton as Mr Brownlow and Jessica Jolleys as Rose
The music is wonderful throughout. A hauntingly beautiful blend of traditional carols and original songs and music by composer John Biddle.
Director Mark Babych has brought a magical telling of 'Oliver' to the stage. A reflection of Victorian London, but focusing on friendship and courage, all wrapped in a sense of festive magic.
The story moves at a fast pace, with a balance of wholesome grittiness, laughter and pathos, with a sprinkle of hilarious characters and moments as a topping.
Hull Trucks Young Company
A subtle mirror in itself perhaps, reflecting issues and conflicts in our modern-day society.
The play doesn't hide from the darker, raw harshness or brutality, but deals thoughtfully and well by slowing down brutal action and carefully choreographing its execution. The point is made, but not graphically. The audience's imagination is left to fill the gap, and their sensibility to the darker sides of human nature. To the tension and conflict between good and evil.
A mixed audience, of all ages, couples, families, children, mum's and dad's, grandpa and granny alike, showed their appreciation at a rousing finale with raucous shouts and energetic applause, the ensemble of actors ended with a moving appeal for community support.
I looked around and felt a wave of emotion, of belonging, sweep through me. A wonderful evening full of hope and I left the theatre with the best feeling of togetherness and spirit of humanity. A fabulous show, don't miss it… it will renew your soul.