Oliver Twist at Derby Theatre Review
Analiese Emerson Guettinger and William Poyser-Alton in Oliver Twist. Photo by Graeme Braidwood
Written by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Over the festive season, many theatres come alive with pantomimes, offering one of the most traditional ways for families to gather and celebrate together. However, if you’re seeking an alternative production that still honours and positively radiates the Christmas spirit, Deborah McAndrew’s adaptation will leave you wanting more.
Charles Dickens’ novel has been adapted for film, television, and Lionel Bart’s stage production for generations. In this production, directed by Sarah Brigham, we are transported back to Dickensian times to follow an orphaned boy who discovers hope in the unlikeliest corners of a harsh and unforgiving world. Oliver Twist charts a journey of grit and warmth that always stays with audiences long after they’ve seen it.
This production contains a vibrant mix of nursery rhymes, Christmas carols, and original musical numbers, all of which help to deliver a fresh take on Oliver Twist. Actor-musicians, who navigate multiple roles during the performance, retain the audience’s attention by helping to place us in the time and place at which the action is unfolding, as well as sustain the overall tone, which is essential to the impact of this story. Oliver Twist works particularly successfully as a drama piece; it enables the cast to really flesh out these notable characters without being fluffed up by a big musical theatre number.
Derby Theatre prides itself on creating productions that are completely made within the city, from Neil Irish’s set design, which came to life in their own workshop, and Tim Heywood’s costumes were sourced and created by local makers. This drive for bringing together the community surrounding their theatre is also championed through their performing company.
Irish’s set design is nothing short of stunning in this production. The terraced buildings that line either side of the stage create a living, breathing streetscape which is fully utilised by the company. Then there’s the more intimate space crafted for Fagin’s world that adds a striking contrast. This element of Oliver Twist enriches both the atmosphere and the storytelling.
The cast is an enjoyable watch from start to finish, especially with the responsibility of handling multiple roles in this production. Dan McGarry’s haunts us all as the unrelenting Bill Sikes; his presence is spine-tingling to witness. Analiese Emerson Guettinger unearths Nancy’s vulnerability beautifully, whilst Michael Mahony and Katherine Toy inject much needed relief to the grittier and darker parts situated in the plot. Polly Lister is showstopping as Fagin, one of the most recognisable characters in theatre and adds so many layers to make it completely her own interpretation. The only jarring part was seeing Lister portray two other characters, Mrs Sowerberry and Old Sally, which didn’t feel distinctively different to the other.
Then there’s our young company. At the heart of Oliver Twist was William Poyser-Alton, who stole the show with the right level of innocence and wide-eyed sincerity in every scene he was in as the titular character. Although the children looked more like they were from Neverland and not Victorian Britain with their costumes, they gave such a fantastic performance! Our performers for the evening were Ophelie Balkota, Florence Batten, Alice Doherty, India Doman, Isabelle Naylor, Charlotte Race, Anay Ruparel and Darwin Shaw.
Overall, Derby Theatre’s production of Oliver Twist is a captivating and heartfelt retelling of this beloved story that is inspiring and unique in comparison to others I have seen before. Whilst some of the finer details are lost for me and this production overall isn’t particularly memorable, the charming presence of the actor-musicians makes it well worth a watch!
Plays at Derby Theatre until 3 January 2026
★ ★ ★ ★
