Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
Derby Theatre’s festive production of Oliver Twist this year brings a darker, grittier retelling of a much-loved classic tale. It brings the shadows of Victorian London to life in a reimagined and fresh way, combining music and atmosphere with gripping performances. This Made in Derby production is a must-visit this Christmas season.
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| Photo by Graeme Braidwood. |
This production of Oliver Twist is very much in keeping with Dickens’ original novel but differs at times from the very famous musical (Oliver!) that precedes it. It instead combines classic carols with its own storytelling through song, performed with brilliance by the many actor-musicians in the show. Our curtain opens to a rendition of In the Bleak Midwinter, immediately setting the tone of the unforgiving nature of Victorian London as a young woman gives birth outside of a workhouse and then tragically dies on Christmas Eve. Our story then follows the boy, Oliver, through life in the workhouse under the thumb of the cruel Mr Bumble, through the undertakers where he becomes an apprentice and is treated cruelly, and finally to the streets of London where he joins a criminal gang under Fagin with the help of new friend ‘The Artful Dodger’. Oliver accidentally begins to uncover his true parentage when he meets the wealthy and warm Mr Brownlow and struggles between innocence and corruption. Throughout the show, the music is in keeping with the mood of the piece and it was pleasantly surprising to enjoy the show’s songs so much with being such a fan of the Lionel Bart musical. The song during the undertaker’s scene was a particular favourite of mine; brilliantly creepy and unnerving in a fun way. Derby theatre have a couple of times now produced an actor-muso show over Christmas and yet again this decision was a powerful and pleasing one.
The staging of this production instantly transported us as an audience back to the streets of Victorian London. The design was clever and left minimal need for set changes, keeping the consistent flow of the plot at a steady pace without being taken out of the action. The use of ‘rags’ creating a mid-stage curtain created a den for Fagin’s gang in a simple yet very effective way and there were some clever stage tricks including some super use of trap doors and even some coffin lids! I was also particularly impressed with how the direction of the show tackled instances of violence - in particular domestic violence - showing these in a really impactful and clear way whilst still being suitable for younger family members to watch. The ending scene between Bill Sykes and Nancy was chilling.
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| Polly Lister as Fagin and Dan McGarry as Bill Sikes. Photo by Graeme Braidwood. |
It is in this show’s performances where its strengths really lay. Our Oliver was William Poyser-Alton who was such a sweet young actor and yet incredibly confident and secure in his delivery. Our hearts ached for the many perils he went through and from the get go, every audience member was desperate for him to succeed and be safe and happy. Our adult ensemble played multiple roles each (yes, in addition to the instruments they also played!) and were able to switch seamlessly between them. My absolute favourite performance of the night went to Polly Lister who was our Fagin. The role of Fagin has big shoes to fill, and yet Lister seemed to make the role entirely her own with fantastic facial expressions, movements and vocal choices that created a true dichotomy of Fagin’s character: manipulative yet sincere; outcast yet devious; fatherly yet uncaring. Seeing Fagin’s downfall at the end of the story was also a really interesting perspective and acted stupendously.
Analiese Emerson Guettinger as Nancy was really the heart of the piece. Her Nancy was tragically beautiful, showing such a caring side to a character with so little hope yet. As audience members, we longed for her to change paths before it was too late before quickly realising the futility of those dreams. Her performance was contrasted brilliantly by Dan McGarry as an aggressive, sinister Bill Sikes. McGarry commanded the stage and moments of his performance took my breath away. Iris Laverne brought a fresh take to the role of Dodger, bringing again moments of conflict between his loyalty to Fagin and care for Oliver. Another favourite performance of mine came from Samuel Heron who brought two very different characterisations with the over-dramatised Mr Sowerberry and the loving, compassionate Mr Brownlow, showing the breadth of Heron’s abilities (and once again musical talent too)! Indeed, the entire adult and young cast worked perfectly in symphony together to bring a chilling, impactful performance. There really was no weak link to be seen and the children involved were consummate professionals.
I must admit that in entering with no expectations, I found myself overjoyed with Derby Theatre’s production of Oliver Twist. Whilst the story itself may be dark and gloomy, I left the theatre feeling quite the opposite due to the skill and choices of the cast and creative team. Sarah Brigham once again proves that Made in Derby performances are to be taken as seriously as any national production. You certainly won’t need to ask for more like Oliver himself.
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| Analiese Emerson Guettinger as Nancy and William Poyser-Alton as Oliver. Photo by Graeme Braidwood. |
Derby Theatre are also taking part in two wonderful initiatives this festive season. Their Acts of Kindness appeal gives people the chance to experience live theatre and creative activities for those who normally wouldn’t get the opportunity, including young carers and people with Dementia. Second, they are supporting the Derby Food 4 Thought alliance, collecting food bank donations which go directly to support local people in need. You can donate to Acts of Kindness using the QR code links around the theatre or online, and if you are visiting the Derbion this December do consider taking in a food donation to support such a wonderful and - at times like these - vital cause.
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Tickets for Oliver Twist are available from https://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/oliver-twist/ until Saturday 3 January 2026.
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