Presented by Marie Clark Musical Theatre
Reviewed 21 June 2026
Classics are classics for a reason – they are timeless and are returned to, in whatever form, repeatedly throughout decades and centuries. A classic of Musical Theatre is the always popular Oliver! by Lionel Bart and based on another great classic, Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Marie Clark Musical Theatre’s latest production of this ever popular show is what well-produced musicals are all about. This version not only sings but soars making one come out saying “What a show, glorious show”.
The story of a Victorian orphan boy who is sold and then ends up befriended by pickpockets is surely quite well known even if it is only for the fact of the boy asking for “More”.
Co-Directors Lucy Trewin and Eloise Morriss obviously have a great amount of love for the show and it is highly evident in their final overall vision. The start draws us in to Victorian England with appropriate black and white projections leading us to the gates and doorway of a Workhouse. Another great use of Kristian Latella’s clever projections is the climax. Having directed Marie Clark’s previous version of Oliver! this reviewer knows how difficult the climax is to stage. The visuals and placing of cast for this scene is the best I have seen and is worth seeing the show for alone. Trewin and Morriss leave almost no stone unturned to bring us their very clear and precise vision in this production. They have managed to get some stunning performances out of their cast. Characterisations have obviously been discussed and thought through, ending in performances that are not only entertaining to watch but bring out the correct amount of humour and drama at the correct moments. The very physical actions are nicely presented by Fight Coordinator Jethro Pidd.
Morriss’ choreography is a combination of Victorian fun and stylised movement and never seems to crowd the stage even when the full compliment of cast is on. Musical Director Jaxon Joy has indeed put together a joyous (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun) orchestra. Joy has obviously worked hard with the cast’s vocals, which easily match the orchestra in magnificence of sound. It is evident from the final result that all three Production team members have worked the cast to a stunning level of excellence.
Oliver! of course, requires children who can steal not only from pockets but the audience’s hearts. This production uses two casts of marvellous minors – the Bart Cast and the Dickens Cast. This reviewer saw the Dickens Cast (apart from “Oliver” himself, who was from the Bart Cast). This cast consisted of Evie Dew, Jacqueline Siow, Jonathan Siow, Leo Dew, Nola Owen-Blazewicz (a real little pocket rocket to look out for), Owen Wu, Penelope Natt and Sassika Bentley. These eight little stunners are absolutely delightful and spot on with everything they do.
The Artful Dodger from this cast is played competently by Alix Davis, giving us all just the Dodger we expect: cheeky and charming and altogether a lovable rogue. Alix also gives us great dance moves along with a strong and powerful voice.
Sid Ion as the boy himself, Oliver, is a sensational find! He has a natural stage presence that many adult performers would kill for. He commands the stage from his very first entrance through to the end, including the Curtain Call, without ever pulling focus or upstaging. Ladies, if you don’t have a tear in your eye at the end of his version of Where is Love, you’re not alive! Sid must also be congratulated (along with Sarah Hamilton and Jaxon Joy) for handling a mic mishap during I’d Do Anything very professionally. Most of the audience wouldn’t even have noticed because he just sang a little louder, Hamilton stayed close so that her mic picked him up and Joy just pulled the orchestra back a little. To paraphrase the character of Dr Grimwig, if that boy doesn’t end up on the professional stage, I’ll eat my hat!
The adult Ensemble and minor characters worked well and helped hold the show together. Tom Moore was a suitably firm but kind Mr Brownlow, a very proper Victorian gentleman. Nic Equid and Ruby Pinkerton were purposely “ghastly” in their roles as Mr and Mrs Sowerberry, the Funeral Parlour proprietors.
As Mr Bumble and Widow Corney, Kim Clark and Jen Edwards rightfully steal the show. Their antics are hilarious, but never go overboard. Their performance of I Shall Scream, in particular, had the audience screaming hysterically with laughter.
Bill Sikes is a character that should make one tremble at the mention of his name, and Brad Tucker certainly makes one quite affeered. His first entrance has Tucker just standing centre stage saying nothing for a few minutes and we were quivering. This is a masterful, strong performance by Tucker. His rendition of one of the hardest songs to sing ever, My Name, was so well performed that it gave this reviewer goosebumps.
Adelaide’s answer to Rhonda Burchmore (minus the ‘legs’), Sarah Hamilton as Nancy does it again! There is absolutely no keeping this performer down. Every move, accent, piece of diction, performance decision is spot on. Hamilton proves once again that she can sing, dance and act up a storm. The litmus test for this reviewer to judge Nancy by is one of the most beautiful and plaintive ballads ever written, As Long As He Needs Me. Hamilton blows it out of the water!! The strength and power in her voice could keep any hydroelectric plant running indefinitely.
Now onto another powerhouse of a performance – Adam Goodburn as Fagin. This is a dream role for most male performers in Musical Theatre and Goodburn shows us why in spades. Fagin is not an easy role: he needs to come across as a likeable rogue who has somewhat of a caring parental air about him for his ‘boys’; but can become quite dangerous when pushed. Goodburn projects all of these well, keeping the humour that we know and love of this role more than intact. Fagin’s eleventh-hour number, Reviewing The Situation, is a classic in its own right and is in very safe hands with Goodburn.
This production of Oliver! is absolutely captivating and will send you out of the theatre asking for “MORE!”.
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Photo credit: Daniel Salmond
Venue: The Arts Theatre
Season: Until 27 June 2026
Duration: 2hours 45 min (including a 20 min interval)
Tickets: $35-$40, Family tix: 1 Adult, 2 Children – $100, 2 Adults, 2 Children – $135
Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/oliver-mcmt-2026
