It is very seldom that you attend a night of musical theatre where the audience is expressing their appreciation from the first number, and it only grows from there. It is also very rare when all elements of the production are so well honed and executed with such finesse.
From the opening Overture to the closing Finale that is the case with Hayes Theatre and Redfern Lane’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which is set for a month’s run at the Hayes before transferring to Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre.
Based on the film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, the musical’s book is by Jeffrey Lane, with music and lyrics from David Yazbek, and has seen previous productions in Australia, including the 2013 staging with Tony Sheldon and John Wood.
The musical comedy follows two conmen, the older, ruthless Lawrence Jamieson (Blake Erickson) and the younger and uncouth Freddy Benson (Rowan Witt) as they prowl the French Riviera, plotting separately and together to fleece unsuspecting victims with their deceptions.
Aided by Jamieson’s duplicitous bodyguard Andre Thibault (Jordan Shea), we follow the travelling American, Muriel Eubanks (Aurélie Roque), the mid-western heiress, Jolene Oakes (Scarlet Lindsay) and American Soap Queen, Christine Colgate (Kristina McNamara), as they fall into their finely spun webs of deceit. Or do they?
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is not a moral tale, but a roller coaster ride of rapid fire wit and word play complemented with original musical numbers and stunning choreography, with the very talented ensemble supply various support roles.
The shows second number Give Them What They Want sets up Lawrence’s modus operandi just before Muriel falls for his schtick as an exiled royal supporting his people.
Her reply What Was a Woman to Do comes just before the dazzling entrance of Colgate proclaiming Here I Am, as the audience wilts before her charms.
Early in the second act a major shift in tone comes about when Andre and Muriel declare their romantic interest in each other with the duet Like Zis/Like Za, which has us hanging on the edge of our seats to see if this revelation of affection has a chance of survival.
Director Rebecca McNamee has excelled in bringing together all of the disciplines involved in creating musical theatre, adapting them to a small stage, and has ended up with one finely crafted production where every element is putting its best game forward.
Erickson, Witt and McNamara are well matched as the three main leads, each bringing their vocal strengths and comedic timing to the fore. They are more than ably supported by Lindsay, who is a star in her own right, Shea and Roque as the foils and enablers to the main protagonists.
In another production the ensemble would also be the stars, and they deserve their attention from the audience. Oliver Clisdell, Christopher Tendai and Brendan Godwin are all excellent in multiple roles, while Emma Feliciano and Madelene Kirkwood show that they can shimmy with the best of them.
Cameron Boxall as choreographer had the difficult job of working on a small stage, to which he has adapted to well by producing so many classy numbers featuring the entire cast and ensemble.
The set design from Soham Apte takes the small Hayes stage and makes the most of it by representing a beach, various hotels, a palazzo and a train, all complemented by James Wallis’ lighting.
Costume designer Angelina Daniel gives every character a special look, ranging from Lawrence’s classy semi formal attire and Christine Colgate’s many changes from travel outfits to bedroom gowns and even ads details to the bus boy’s outfits.
The music here is another standout, and it is a pity that musical director Dylan Pollard and his five musicians did not get a curtain call.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a masterclass in wit, song, dance and staging and for two and a half hours it delivers some of the best musical theatre that you will see this year.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Elizabeth Bay
Performance: Wednesday 27 May 2026
Season continues to 21 June 2026
Information and Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au
Following the Sydney season, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will be presented at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres from 25 – 28 June 2026.
Images: Rowan Witt, Kristina McNamara, Blake Erickson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – photo by John McCrae | Rowan Witt and Blake Erickson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – photo by John McCrae | Blake Erickson and Scarlet Lindsay in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – photo by John McCrae | Aurélie Roque and Jordan Shea in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – photo by John McCrae | Oliver Clisdell, Christopher Tendai, Brendan Godwin, Madelene Kirkwood, Emma Feliciano in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – photo by John McCrae
Review: John Moyle