Oliver is a critically acclaimed opera director, working across the UK and internationally.
Immersed in music and theatre since childhood, Oliver has a passion for telling engaging and relevant stories, creating work with imagination and flair. At the core of his approach is a positive and collaborative rehearsal process, culminating in truthful and detailed characterisations, and striking productions in which clarity of storytelling is paramount.
Oliver was the inaugural Christine Collins Young Artist director at Opera Holland Park in 2012, and has since had a long standing relationship with the company. His critically acclaimed productions have been nominated for an RPS award, a WhatsOnStage award for best new production, and featured in The Telegraph’s best 5 productions of the year. These have included Le nozze di Figaro, L’Arlesiana, Così fan Tutte, La Cenerentola, Don Giovanni, Suor Angelica, (and the revival of Gianni Schicchi – as part of Il Trittico), Il Barbiere di Siviglia, and Les Pêcheurs de Perles.
Other directing credits include: The Elixir of Love (Scottish Opera), Der Freischütz (a community performance for Blackheath Halls Opera), La Cenerentola (Danish National Opera – nominated for the Reumert Prize for Opera), Werther (English Touring Opera) and the world premiere of My Life Online (Edinburgh Fringe Festival).
Oliver is in demand for his work with students, having directed a double bill of L’Enfant et les sortilèges and Iolanta (Royal Academy of Music), Così fan Tutte (Guildhall School of Music and Drama), Owen Wingrave (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), as well as many performances of scenes for the Royal College of Music, RAM and GSMD.
Oliver also works as revival director, most recently reviving Così fan Tutte and Aida for the Royal Opera House, as well as working extensively as assistant/staff director, including productions at Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera House, Scottish Opera, Glyndebourne, Opera Holland Park, English Touring Opera, Tête à Tête and the Royal College of Music, working with directors including Robert Carson, Richard Jones, Barrie Kosky and Sir David McVicar.
Upcoming engagements include a new production for Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and reviving Jenůfa for the Royal Opera House.