He is relishing being a villain, taking the role of conniving career criminal Fagin in the Alexandra Musical Society's latest production.
The society is staging Oliver! as its annual show which forms part of the Blossom Festival.
It opens in the Alexandra Memorial Theatre on Saturday, September 26, and the final performance is on October 2.
Mr Cadogan, an associate with Bodkins law firm in Alexandra, said it was "jolly good fun" being on the opposite side of the law for a change.
"This is my first theatrical role - I've had a couple of singing roles in other productions, but this is the first time I've had to learn lines as well as songs," Mr Cadogan said.
There was "a bit of theatrics" in law, Mr Cadogan said.
"This role as Fagin gives you so much scope. You can be mean and a bit conniving, so people will see a whole different side to me."
He works in family and criminal law, but has yet to defend a pickpockets' fence, like his character in the musical.
Oliver! is directed by Bruce Martin, of Nelson.
It is the sixth time he has worked with the Alexandra society and he said returning to Alexandra was like coming back home.
The production has a cast of 50 and about one-third of those are children.
The lead role is shared, with Lauren Ross (13), of Arrowtown, and Sam Harris (11), of Clyde, appearing as Oliver on alternate nights.
"At the audition, I couldn't decide between them, so I gave them some homework to do and three weeks later, when they came back, I thought they were still at an equal level. It would be a shame to deprive one of them, so they'll share the role," Mr Martin said.
He has been involved in four productions of Oliver!, twice taking the role of Fagin.
"The look of every presentation varies though, depending on who is in it," Mr Martin said.
The musical is based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.
The lead female role, Nancy, is being played by Alice Stewart, of Alexandra.
