An unforgettable adaptation delivered with vim and vigour...
OUR VERDICT
Henry Elletson
If you are looking for a fast-paced, faithful retelling of a Dickens classic, then this production is for you. Staged by Guildford Shakespeare Company, David Copperfield offers a two-and-a-half-hour whistle-stop tour through the vagaries of Victorian life with warmth and wit.
Staged in the intimate venue of Holy Trinity Church, the three-person cast does a magnificent job of recreating some of the most recognisable characters in the English literary canon.
Using a masterful mix of multi-roling, puppetry and even ‘hatography’, the equally tragic and comic tale of ‘Davey’ is fully unfurled thanks to Abigail Pickard Price’s imaginative adaptation and direction.
The story, as the title suggests, centres on David Copperfield, detailing his life from birth to middle age. Along the way, we meet the usual mix of curious characters ranging from the warm-hearted Peggotty to the much-maligned Mr Micawber and the nefarious Uriah Heep as David makes his way from motherless waif to well-established writer.
Henry Elletson
The title role is played by the excellent Eddy Payne, who seamlessly transitions from boy to teen to man. The other 18 characters are deftly handled by Luke Barton and Louise Beresford, who switch effortlessly between genders, accents and ages.
Payne’s narration as both participant and storyteller gives the production a delightful intimacy while Barton delivers a scene-stealing performance in almost every one of his guises. Beresford is more than a match, however, offering a steely yet affectionate Betsey Trotwood and a particularly unctuous and ‘umble’ Uriah Heep, among others.
There is obviously a lot to pack in, and the first half fairly races along. But the players’ energy and commitment ensure the audience experience is not lost amid the frantic plot, location changes and time skips.
Henry Elletson
Neil Irish’s set comprising a couple of doors, a set of suitcases and a series of wooden trunks, which seems at first basic. But each item is brilliantly utilised by the three actors who are tasked with lifting, climbing and stacking said luggage to denote story shifts that include a London warehouse, a Norfolk beach and a donkey-plagued country house.
The fluidity of props and backdrop means the actors are constantly in motion, propelling the action onwards with such vigour that some scenes garner elicited gasps and even ripples of applause from the audience.
Ultimately, the Guildford Shakespeare Company’s David Copperfield is theatrical storytelling at its most playful and inventive. It captures the spirit of Charles Dickens — his social commentary, his humour, and pathos — while reimagining his novel in a form that feels fresh. Whether you come as a Dickens devotee or simply love bold, imaginative theatre, this production rewards with every turn.
Henry Elletson
The show runs until February 28; further details and tickets can be found at guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
