Review: DAVID COPPERFIELD, Jermyn Street Theatre

Steve Gregson

The literary genius of Charles Dickens seems to grow with every passing year. His association with Christmas extends way beyond A Christmas Carol as his stories naturally have a festive glow, particularly as the traditional rituals of Christmas were established during the Victorian period. Virtually every biscuit tin, chocolate box and greetings card is festooned with images of Dickensian life. His work is supremely adaptable and has featured in countless in films, TV shows and radio plays. This new stage version of David Copperfield directed by Abigail Pickard Price positively sparkles with wit, charm and bonhomie.

A boy enters the world six months after the death of his father, but David Copperfield (Eddy Payne) has a happy childhood in the company of his mother (Louise Beresford) and her servant Peggotty (Luke Barton). Such contentment vanishes when his mother marries the cruel Mr Murdstone who sends David to an austere boarding school. When his mother dies Murdstone sets him to work in a factory. But escapes a  miserable existence and finds comfort with dotty though affectionate Aunt Betsy. She ensures he has a good education which sets up for an eventful voyage of discovery. David encounters a range of characters as he navigates a series of emotional and financial obstacles.

With David narrating his story we enjoy a sense of intimacy that is particularly effective in the close confines of the Jermyn Street Theatre. Set designer Neil Irish does a sterling job and creates a facade that easily adapts to each scene transition. The set is packed with authentic period detail which fires the imagination. There are also moments of gentle humour and genuine chemistry between the players. All three cast members are outstanding and deliver performances that are crystal clear with a deep appreciation of the narrative. They breathe life into great characters like Mr Micawber, Peggotty and Uriah Heep which is an achievement with only three actors to cover nineteen different characters. 

However, this also reveals the only weakness in an otherwise excellent production. Regardless of how well known the story is and how brilliant the actors undoubtedly are, it’s difficult to follow this number of character changes. The addition of two actors would have reduced the number of roles each performer covered. This would have allowed for an easier viewing experience and a clearer distinction between characters. That minor quibble aside, it remains a fine show that enhances the Dickens legend.

**** Four Stars

Reviewed by Brian Penn

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