Review of Olivia: A Poor Girl’s Tale at Interplay, Armley, by Jhanvi Charkhawala
Imagine Oliver Twist—but with a twist! Picture Oliver reimagined as a young girl named Olivia, navigating the trials of poverty while discovering her identity in a contemporary setting. That’s precisely what Olivia: A Poor Girl’s Tale brings to the stage. Presented by the Invisible Pain Theatre Company in collaboration with Victoria Dance Studios, Olivia was performed at The Interplay Theatre, Armley Ridge Road from 27th November to 1st December.
At its heart, Olivia captures the true power of theatre, showing us how it can stir emotions, tell important stories, and connect us to universal human experiences. Despite being a unit set play with minimal props, the musical feels lively and engaging. The children’s singing and dancing bring a sense of joy that lights up the room every time they perform. Though set in the Victorian era, the story feels surprisingly relevant to today’s world, making us think about the things that unite us all.
The play’s story follows Olivia through several difficult challenges. She begins at an orphanage, is taken by Mr. Grimm, a funeral home worker with dark intentions, and then escapes his control. Olivia meets Dodger, falls into Fagin’s criminal gang, and comes across Nancy, a kind but troubled character. As the story unfolds, Olivia finds herself involved in theft, gets caught, and is eventually adopted by childless Mr and Mrs. Brown. Through Mr Brown, she learns that her brother was behind much of the chaos, trying to keep her from inheriting a fortune. In the end, Olivia decides to help the other children stuck in the gang, choosing to give back rather than keep the wealth. This new take on Oliver Twist blends familiar elements with fresh, heartfelt moments that will resonate with audiences.
The performances are another highlight. Olivia’s innocence shines through, while Dodger’s charm and Nancy’s emotional depth make their characters stand out. Bill and Fagin are played in ways that make you dislike them instantly, while the children’s choreography makes them impossible to resist. This steampunk version of the classic story makes us think about how people can be both good and bad, depending on the circumstances. It also reminds us of the importance of staying true to ourselves, even when the world around us is tough.
The production is brought to life by the Invisible Pain Theatre Company (IPTC), founded by Gerica McMullen. IPTC is a Community Interest Company that uses the arts as a way to help people struggling with mental health issues. They offer a space for creative expression through musicals, theatre, dance, and other forms of art, helping participants build confidence and find a sense of purpose. This inclusive approach brings together people from all walks of life, creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment for everyone involved.
Using creative forms of art as therapy gives art its true meaning. The chance to perform helps the actors build confidence, develop their careers, and express themselves in a way that can be healing.
Olivia: A Poor Girl’s Tale is a powerful reimagining of a classic story, combining deep emotion with creative flair. With its relatable characters, strong performances, and important themes, the play honors Oliver Twist while showing the life-changing potential of the arts. Thanks to the vision of the Invisible Pain Theatre Company, this production reminds us that theatre can heal, inspire, and create real social change. Whether you’re drawn to it for its artistry or its message, Olivia leaves you with a renewed sense of hope and inspiration.