Review by Markus Hamence – Marie Clark Musical Theatre’s Oliver!. Performance date: Saturday 19 June 2026. The Arts Theatre, Adelaide, South Australia.
There are some musicals that arrive with polish, and then there are musicals that arrive with heart, grit and a bit of mud smeared on it’s cheek. Marie Clark Musical Theatre’s production of Oliver! delivers all of that in generous measure, filling The Arts Theatre with energy, warmth and the timeless charm that has made Lionel Bart’s beloved adaptation a family favourite for generations. Under the direction of Lucy Trewin and Eloise Morriss, this production embraces the classic storytelling while allowing its cast to bring fresh life to Dickens’ Victorian London.
From the opening notes of ‘Food, Glorious Food’, the ensemble establishes a world that feels vibrant and alive. The superbly large company cast works tirelessly throughout the production, creating bustling streets, crowded workhouses and lively taverns with confidence and enthusiasm. Morriss’ choreography keeps the stage in constant motion, while musical director Jaxon Joy ensures the score remains one of the evening’s greatest strengths. The familiar tunes are delivered with gusto, drawing plenty of appreciative reactions from the audience.
The young performers carrying the story shoulder an enormous responsibility and rise admirably to the challenge. Oliver (Patrick Green in my performance) is portrayed with sincerity and innocence, making it easy to invest in his journey from hardship to hope. The Artful Dodger (Alix David, again, in my production) brings the necessary swagger and cheeky charisma, becoming one of the show’s most engaging presences whenever he steps on stage. Together they form the emotional centre of a production that never loses sight of its heart.
“Marie Clark Musical Theatre serves up a heartwarming Oliver! overflowing with talent, community spirit and the timeless magic of musical theatre.”
Markus Hamence
Among the adult cast, Adam Goodburn’s Fagin is a standout and a freakin’ animated treat. Rather than leaning solely into caricature, he creates a layered and entertaining figure who balances humour with survival instinct. Sarah Hamilton delivers a beautifully heartfelt Nancy, bringing emotional depth to songs that remain among the musical’s finest moments. Brad Tucker’s Bill Sikes provides the necessary menace, creating genuine tension whenever he appears, while Tom Moore’s Mr Brownlow offers warmth and compassion as the story moves towards its uplifting conclusion.
Visually, the production makes excellent use of The Arts Theatre stage. Costumes evoke the grit and character of Dickensian England, while the creative team successfully navigates the musical’s many locations and scene changes. The result is a production that feels considerably larger than the venue itself, drawing audiences into a richly realised world filled with colourful characters and memorable moments.
What ultimately makes this Oliver! so successful is its sense of community. Marie Clark Musical Theatre has long been known for nurturing performers and presenting quality musical theatre, and that spirit shines throughout this production. The passion of the company is evident in every scene, creating an atmosphere where audiences can simply sit back and enjoy the magic of live theatre.
Oliver! remains one of musical theatre’s great crowd-pleasers, and Marie Clark Musical Theatre has delivered a production that honours its legacy while celebrating the talent flourishing within Adelaide’s community theatre scene. Rich with memorable songs, strong performances and genuine heart, this is a delightful evening of musical theatre that reminds us why classics endure.
Wrap-Up: By the time the final curtain falls, you’ll be leaving The Arts Theatre with a smile, a song in your head, and a renewed appreciation for one of musical theatre’s most enduring classics.
Cast List
Oliver Twist: Patrick Green (Dickens Youth Cast), Sid Ion (Bart Youth Cast)
Artful Dodger: Alix Davis (Dickens Youth Cast), Jack Pipprell (Bart Youth Cast)
Fagin: Adam Goodburn
Nancy: Sarah Hamilton
Bill Sikes: Brad Tucker
Bet: Aliyah Goodburn
Mr Bumble: Kim Clark (Fagin Understudy)
Widow Corney: Jen Edwards
Mr Sowberberry: Nic Equid
Mrs Sowerberry: Ruby Pinkerton (Nancy Understudy)
Mr Brownlow: Tom Moore
Mrs Bedwin: Susie O’Connell (Widow Corney Understudy)
Noah: Felix Setchell (Bill Sikes Understudy)
Charlotte: Olivia Tod
Dr Grimwig: David Kilsby
Sally: Dannii Lee
Mr Bumble Understudy: Jethro Pidd
Adult Ensemble
Andrew Winter, Cate Cromb, Deborah Proeve (Mrs Bedwin/Mrs Sowerberry Understudy, Dance Captain), Hannah Vandervlag (Charlotte Understudy), Kyle Wilhelm (Dance Captain), Leah Broxton (Bet Understudy), Nadia Eiffe, Tom Adams (Dr Grimwig/Mr Brownlow Understudy), Vic Tyllis, Zachary Baseby (Noah/Mr Sowerberry Understudy)
Dickens Youth Cast (full list)
Oliver Twist: Patrick Green
Artful Dodger: Alix Davis
Nipper: Nola Owen-Blazewicz
Evie Dew (Youth Dance Captain)
Jacqueline Siow
Jonathan Siow
Leo Dew
Owen Wu
Penelope Natt
Sassika Bentley
Bart Youth Cast (full list)
Oliver Twist: Sid Ion
Artful Dodger: Jack Pipprell
Nipper: Lucy Harry
Ava Clark
Estelle Kouzapa
Georgie Stelzer
Lucas Mentha
Marlo Bellison
Sebastian Pidd
Zach McAllister
Production Team
Co-Directors: Lucy Trewin & Eloise Morriss
Musical Director: Jaxon Joy
Choreographer: Eloise Morriss
Oliver!
19-27 Juen 2026
The Arts Theatre, Adelaide
Tickets
More Marie Clark Musical Theatre
