Theatre News

Oliver! confirms West End casting update

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Tanyel Gumushan

Tanyel Gumushan

| London |

19 November 2025

oliver west end
Ava Brennan as Nancy and Billy Jenkins as Artful Dodger, © Danny Kaan

Oliver! has revealed a casting update.

The hit revival, which bagged a five-star review from WhatsOnStage and a WhatsOnStage Award for its initial run at Chichester Festival Theatre, is devised by Cameron Mackintosh, with direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne, and co-direction by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy.

Adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist by Lionel Bart, Oliver! follows an orphaned boy of the same name as he escapes the confines of the workhouse and finds refuge in the city’s underworld. Tunes include “Food Glorious Food”, “Consider Yourself”, ”You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two”, and “As Long As He Needs Me.”

The musical is now booking to 4 October 2026.

Also appearing in the West End cast are Simon Lipkin as Fagin, Ava Brennan as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell (Henry VI, Wicked) as Bill Sikes, Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Mr Bumble, Katy Secombe (The Music Man) as Widow Corney, Stephen Matthews (Strictly Ballroom) as Mr Sowerberry/Dr Grimwig, Jamie Birkett (Peter Pan Goes Wrong) as Mrs Sowerberry/ Mrs Bedwin and Philip Franks (The Rocky Horror Show, Witness for the Prosecution) as Mr Brownlow.

The role of Oliver Twist is shared by William Barker, Ralphael Korniets, Isaac Nelson and Odo Rowntree-Bailly.

Billy Jenkins (Les Misérables), who originated the role of the Artful Dodger in this new production, has now left the show. Aaron MacGregor now plays the part.

Also on the creative team are designer Lez Brotherston, musical supervisor and conductor Graham Hurman, lighting designers Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs, sound designer Adam Fisher, and projection designer George Reeve, with original orchestrations by William David Brohn, orchestral adaptation by Stephen Metcalfe, choreographic associates Etta Murfitt and Sam Archer, casting directors Felicity French and Paul Wooller and children’s casting director Verity Naughton.

Tickets are on sale below.

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