Oliver! The Musical
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https://events.humanitix.com/oliver-mcmt-2026
Date Reviewed: 19/06/2026
“Please Sir, I want some more!” - one of the iconic lines of musical theatre uttered by Oliver Twist in Marie Clark’s latest production of Oliver!
Oliver! is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist. It follows the story of a young orphan named Oliver, who escapes from a harsh workhouse and joins a group of juvenile criminals led by the manipulative Fagin. Through a series of adventures and misadventures, Oliver searches for love, family, and a sense of belonging, ultimately discovering his true identity and finding happiness with kind-hearted friends.
Co-Directors Lucy Trewin and Eloise Morriss (also the choreographer) have taken this timeless classic and packed it full of a mix of young and experienced performers, colourful sets and costumes, humour and Lionel Bart’s wonderful music.
Trewin and Morriss ensure that the stage is packed (in the big numbers), but can narrow our focus for the key elements of the musical. Their unit set with sliding panels to indicate different locations is ingenious, giving a wide variety of heights to set the action. They place the focus on the comedy when needed, but are not afraid to show us the ‘real’ side of the characters, from domestic violence (fight choreography- Jethro Pidd) to bullying. They keep the action flowing, although there were a few occasions during set changes when we were watching a blank stage.
Morriss’ choreography is appropriate to the period and full of energy, ‘Consider Yourself’ is a highlight of the company scenes.
Jaxon Joy’s orchestra is spot on, faithfully reproducing Lionel Bart’s score. Located at the back of the stage out of view, the balance is excellent never obscuring the lyrics and a force in their own right.
Michael Bentley’s lighting design takes us from the shadows of the streets of London to the houses of Mr. Bumble and Mr. Brownlow and other locations. His ‘full states’ are well balanced as are the more intimate scenes.
Sid Ion (from the Bart Youth Cast) takes on the massive task of portraying one of English literature’s most famous children. He has the looks and the voice of an angel and his version of ‘Where is Love?’ alone on stage in a follow spot, tears at the heart.
Adam Goodburn is in his element as Fagin and is the highlight of the production! His posture, accent, persona, and voice are perfect. He is the best Fagin I have seen, and nails every moment on stage and also a generous performer when working with the orphans. ‘Reviewing the Situation’ is expertly sung and performed.
Sarah Hamilton as Nancy (direct from playing Fanny Brice in Funny Girl) has a powerhouse voice, particularly in As Long as He Needs Me which drew well deserved applause and cheers. She also gives an emotional portrayal as the partner of Bill Sykes, trapped in a destructive relationship.
Brad Tucker’s Bill Sykes is the villain we all love to hate. He lurks and scowls on the stage and is an truly evil presence. His death scene (accomplished with shadows on a projection) is a clever touch.
Kim Clark and Jen Edwards as Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney play the comedy of their scenes to the full. ‘I Shall Scream’ is a scream.
Jack Pipprell (Bart Youth Cast) as the Artful Dodger is a talent to keep an eye on. He nails all his scenes with confidence and is the ideal sidekick to Fagin.
Nic Equid and Ruby Pinkerton play Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry with gleeful relish! Quid’s dark sense of humour and Pinkerton’s powerhouse voice make ‘That’s Your Funeral’ a delight.
Felix Setchell as Noah Claypole is brash, loud and the ideal spoilt funeral home brat. He is a strong presence and tormentor of Oliver.
Tom Moore as Mr. Brownlow and Susie O’Connell as Mrs. Bedwin are Oliver’s saviours giving Oliver a home and a family.
The Principal cast is completed by Aliyah Goodburn as Bet, Olivia Tod as Charlotte, Tom Adams as Dr Grimwig and Dannii Lee as Sally adding depth to the story.
The ensemble is made up of the adult ensemble and Bart Youth ensemble. They play multiple roles and add vocal depth to the big numbers, particularly ‘Consider Yourself’, which is a highlight. I must commend Marie Clark on their Youth ensemble. They were one of the youngest youth ensembles I’ve seen in Oliver! and were well drilled, confident and a joy to watch!
As mentioned earlier, there a few scene changes that were a little long, but I am confident these will tighten as the production continues.
Marie Clark’s production of the timeless classic Oliver! is an entertaining production for both young and old and will leave you with joy and hope in your heart and maybe a tear or two!
Image credit Daniel Salmond
Reviewed by Barry Hill