![Shanay Holmes exits Oliver! in the West End, Ava Brennan takes over as Nancy [Updated]](https://www.westendtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Oliver-Shanay-Holmes-as-Nancy-Photo-Johan-Persson-Ava-Brennan-Photo-via-production.jpg "Shanay Holmes exits Oliver! in the West End, Ava Brennan takes over as Nancy [Updated]")
West End star Shanay Holmes has completed her critically acclaimed run in Cameron Mackintosh’s hit production of Lionel Bart’s musical OLIVER! at the Gielgud Theatre in London.
Shanay Holmes (Miss Saigon, The Bodyguard) played Nancy in the production, which is now playing at the Gielgud Theatre booking until 29 March 2026.
Shanay announced the news on Instagram, saying that, “’I’ve absolutely loved playing the role of Nancy in Oliver! for the last year and have now completed my run in this incredible show. It’s been a joy to bring this production to the West End. Thank you to the audiences and everyone who’s supported me in bringing this role to life. I’m excited for what’s next.”
The production has now confirmed that Ava Brennan (Top Boy, Hamilton) has officially taken over as Nancy, a role she has been playing as alternate throughout the run.
Oliver! premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre last summer, where it scored great reviews from the critics, and officially opened in the West End on 14 January 2025.
Oliver! also stars Simon Lipkin (Guys and Dolls, Avenue Q) as Fagin, Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Mother Goose, Only Fools and Horses The Musical) as Mr. Bumble, Aaron Sidwell (Henry VI, Wicked) as Bill Sikes, Billy Jenkins (Les Misérables) as the Artful Dodger, Philip Franks (The Rocky Horror Show, Witness for the Prosecution) as Mr. Brownlow, Katy Secombe (The Music Man, Les Misérables) as Widow Corney, Stephen Matthews (Strictly Ballroom, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Mr. Sowerberry/Dr. Grimwig, Jamie Birkett (Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Mamma Mia! The Party) as Mrs. Sowerberry/Mrs. Bedwin, and Billy Byers as Alternate Artful Dodger.
The role of Oliver Twist is played by William Barker, Raphael Korniets, Isaac Nelson, and Odo Rowntree-Bailly.
See more Oliver! photos and videos >
Based on Charles Dickens’ novel, Oliver! boasts a much-loved score, including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more.
This new production of Oliver! has been reconceived by Cameron Mackintosh, along with director and choreographer Matthew Bourne.
Joining Matthew Bourne in the creative team of Oliver! are co-director Jean-Pierre van der Spuy; designer Lez Brotherston; musical supervisor and conductor Graham Hurman; lighting designers Paule Constable and Ben Jacobs; sound designer Adam Fisher; video designer George Reeve; original orchestrations William David Brohn; orchestral adaptation Stephen Metcalfe; casting directors Felicity French CDG and Paul Wooller CDG; and children’s casting director Verity Naughton CDG.
Oliver! is playing at the Gielgud Theatre in London, booking to 29 March 2026.
Book tickets to OLIVER! at the Gielgud Theatre in London
UPDATES: First published 3 September 2025 with news of Shanay Holmes leaving Oliver! Updated 4 September 2025 with confirmation that Ava Brennan has taken over as Nancy
Gielgud Theatre, London
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