Five questions with Ava Brennan

The Lion King and Hamilton star Ava Brennan is performing as Nancy in Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End.

Summary

• Ava Brennan stars as Nancy in Oliver!
• The musical about orphan Oliver Twist is based on Charles Dickens's novel
• The musical is playing at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End

Musical star Ava Brennan has played iconic roles in Tina — The Tina Turner Musical, Hamilton, The Lion King, and more. She now plays Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh's hit revival of Oliver!, opposite Simon Lipkin as Fagin.

She speaks to London Theatre Magazine about what makes Oliver! resonate with audiences.

Book Oliver! tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

How are you enjoying playing the role of Nancy?
Playing Nancy has been an absolute joy and a privilege. She’s such a layered, complex character — equal parts strength, vulnerability, compassion, and fire. I’m a mother and Nancy’s maternal instincts with the children are so aligned with who I am, I feel incredibly grateful to tell her story every night. The audience’s energy lifts me every time, and it’s a role that challenges me in the best possible way.

What is it about Oliver! that makes it still such a hit with audiences?
Oliver! has this timeless magic that never seems to fade. The music is unforgettable, the themes are universal, and the characters feel deeply human. It balances humour, heart, darkness, and hope in a way that continues to resonate across generations. I think audiences connect with its story of resilience. There is something beautifully uplifting in it, even in its toughest moments.

Nancy gets some fun numbers, as well as torch songs and some high drama. Which aspect of the character is most fun to play?
I absolutely love playing Nancy’s fierce loyalty and her good heart. Her songs let me stretch vocally and emotionally, but it’s her spirit that I love the most. Her life is hard but she’s happy with what she has. She’s brave, flawed, passionate, and ultimately selfless. Exploring that duality — her toughness and her tenderness — is so fulfilling. Performing “As Long as He Needs Me” is always a highlight; it’s so raw and honest.

You have played so many iconic roles in musical theatre. What other roles are you excited to perform?
There are so many dream roles still on my list! I love to tackle characters that push me into new territory, whether vocally, physically, or dramatically, like Elphaba in Wicked for example. I love her story and what she represents! I’m always excited by characters with depth and complexity — women who are strong, vulnerable, and beautifully human.

What would your advice be to young performers who would love to follow in your footsteps?
I think it would be to just believe in the unique voice you bring to the world. Authenticity is key! No one else can offer what you can. Train hard, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. And most importantly — be kind to yourself and to others. This industry is full of ups and downs, but every setback is a learning curve. Keep your heart open and keep your work honest, it can be hard but always remember why you fell in love with performing in the first place.

Book Oliver! tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

This article first appeared in the December 2025 issue of London Theatre Magazine.

Photo credit: Ava Brennan. (Courtesy of production)