Oliver Twist Review: a courageous new angle on the Dickens classic

Photography Credit: Graeme Braidwood

02 December 2025 I 19:15 I Derby Theatre

⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite

A Victorian realist drama that features an orphaned workhouse boy groomed into the criminal underworld... Dickens' social protest novel Oliver Twist isn't your average Christmas show! Diverting from Lionel Bart's musical Oliver!, Derby Theatre reimagines the novel combining carols, folk song and original music with an actor-muso company of performers. We might question the relevance of such a cruel tale today, where this adaptation values the moments of kindness, if struggling to find a consistent tone.

The narrative of Oliver Twist is a touchpoint of literature, as Deborah McAndrew's script refuses to shy away from Bill Sikes' terror, mindful to stage violence in an abstract nature to limit its intensity. Weighing up comedy, drama and music, a fair balance is able to keep the audience's interest alive. Much of the language has a quality pulled from Victorian English, which runs the risk of dialogue being overly complex for younger viewers as some begin to shuffle in their seats.

Photography Credit: Graeme Braidwood

The entire adult ensemble perform as an actor-muso troupe, unbelievably adaptable as they dive from their instruments into well-developed characters. Something of a Greek chorus, travelling across the stage in clumps and driving the action with lyrics. An arrangement of songs including In The Bleak Midwinter and How Many Miles To London Town lean towards a folk style, gifting a warmth to the streets of London to revel in its cultural heritage and foster a community feel.

Alternating the role of Oliver, tonight's William Poyser-Alton is a picture of innocence. Playing into a nervous stutter, Poyser-Alton has great reactionary skills and does well with the material. A brash and frenetic Fagin from Polly Lister bundles onto the stage with a larger-than-life energy. Always addressed as 'sir', it seems a shame to ignore the gender-swapped casting, which may have enhanced her relationship with the children in her gang, and as a victim to Sikes' brutish violence.

Photography Credit: Graeme Braidwood

Taking a likeness to Andy Walmsley's set for Blood Brothers, Neil Irish designs a divided street, one side reflecting the wealth of Mr Brownlow's Pentonville house, opposite the alleyways of Fagin's hideout on the other. Conceptually we have seen it before, yet it serves the purpose regardless. Costuming (Tim Heywood) brings strong contrast, from Mr Bumble's powerfully sharp admiral uniform to Dodger's baggier fabrics to define status.

Bulking up the cast, a rotating young company are inherently loveable, although in need for closer direction to prevent their scenes from feeling uncertain and underdeveloped. Exceptional performances come from Samuel Heron (Sowerberry/Brownlow) and Analiese Emerson Guettinger (Nancy), both remarkably versatile in their musical abilities and invested in intricate emotional arcs.

Blending sophistication and light infusions of pantomime humour, the intended audience is uncertain yet welcoming to a wide range of ages (recommended 8+). A fair contender to Lionel Bart's musical, Sarah Brigham's direction (asst. Kai Bools) must be applauded for taking a courageous new angle on the Dickens classic. With Derby Theatre welcoming an actor-muso revival of Little Shop Of Horrors from 30th May 2026, book early to avoid disappointment, I certainly expect great things!!

Oliver Twist Info & Tickets: https://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/oliver-twist/