Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is the latest show to hit the Hayes Theatre, who have had a strong start to 2026 with a bevy of diverse and successful productions. With a further tour to Riverside Theatres Parramatta later in the month, this production has already sold a strong number of tickets thanks to a star cast, a hilarious book and some great music that successfully enhances the 1988 film on which it is based. The show begins when two conmen come face to face for the first time and instantly compete to see who is the more deceitful, with the loser of the bet on who can pull the biggest con to be banished from the town. Along the way they meet Christine Colgate, who becomes the object of their challenge as chaos ensues, with twists and turns that few could expect.

Blake Erickson and Rowan Witt play the two conmen and are exceptional throughout, with Erickson doing a fine job balancing the suaveness of Lawrence Jameson with his character’s ruthlessness, while Witt’s Freddy Benson provides much of the comedy and does so exceptionally well, displaying excellent comic timing and physical comedy throughout the production. Both show off their triple threat skills combining excellent vocals, choreography and comic timing to really carry the show, which they do extremely well.

They are supported by Kristina McNamara as Christine Colgate, who acts extremely well throughout the show despite a few shaky vocal moments. Meanwhile, Jordan Shea and Aurélie Roque provide some great comedy as Andre Thibault and Muriel Eubanks respectively, particularly in their scenes together. The ensemble also does extremely well, showing off fabulous tight choreography and strong vocals, with Cameron Boxall deserving significant credit for choreography that consistently fills the small Hayes stage with energy and movement, helping make the production feel polished and cohesive.

Unlike many movie adaptations, this musical works remarkably well as the score is consistently entertaining and the book flows seamlessly from scene to scene, giving the performers plenty to work with, of which they take full advantage. Rebecca McNamee deserves significant credit for her assured direction, while musical director Dylan Pollard has done an excellent job bringing the score to life in the intimate Hayes Theatre and Em-Jay Dwyer’s sound design further enhances the production, with the vocals, orchestra and dialogue all sitting comfortably together. A word must also go to Soham Apte’s excellent set design, which makes the space feel far larger than it actually is as the bright colours and French Riviera-inspired design light up the stage and contribute to the sense that the production is punching well above its weight within the compact theatre. Angelina Daniel’s costumes further add to the glamour of the production and help transport the audience into the luxurious world of the show.

Overall, this is an excellent production blessed with a strong script and the cast elevates the material even further, resulting in a very cohesive performance. Erickson and Witt are outstanding as the central duo but every member of the company contributes to making the show funny, musically accomplished and consistently entertaining. This is a production not to miss and a reminder of just how good Australian musical theatre can be.

Rating: ★★★★1/2

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels plays at the Hayes Theatre until 21 June before playing at Riverside Theatres. For more information, click here. 

All photo credits: John McCrae