David Copperfield - in conjunction with Bawds (Review)

(Charles Dickens, adapted by Nick Warburton; Directed by Colin Lawrence)

For other reviews please see www.bawds.org

David Copperfield

By Charles Dickens adapted for the stage by Nick Warburton

Presented at the ADC Theatre December 2007

by Bawds in association with Combined Actors

Reviewed by Alan Bond 

Bawds and Combined Actors of Cambridge are both companies with years of experience and both enjoy justifiably high reputations; therefore when they join together to present a major production one can expect great things.  As Charles Dickens is synonymous with Christmas and David Copperfield one of Dickens’ most popular books this was a good choice for the run-up to the festive season.  Adapted by local author and award winning playwright Nick Warburton there was no doubt this adaptation was in safe hands.  So often when Dickens’ work is adapted it doesn’t stay true to the book: the recent television play of Oliver Twist being a case in point.  However there were no such worries with Mr Warburton’s version of David Copperfield. Written as a weekly serial the style was necessarily episodic yet no short cuts had been used, no liberties taken and all one’s favourite characters were included.   

Director Colin Lawrence’s imaginative approach to the text worked well with some clever and amusing touches (i.e. turning the settle into Barkis’s cart).  Tony Broscomb’s set backing up the director’s approach gave many interesting levels and nooks and crannies that were used to great effect.  Of course, however good the director’s approach it would be nothing without the back up of the actors and here Mr Lawrence had amassed what can only be described as “an all star cast”. 

There were two David Copperfields; the story being narrated by the grown-up David (Colin Richardson) with Young Davy played by Peter Sayer. Both of these actors gave impressive performances and one looks forward to seeing more of them in the future.  They certainly deserved their curtain call acclaim.  With two Davids there were of course two Steerforths, and two Emilys.  Here again good performances from Josh Warren as the potentially obnoxious young Steerforth with Mark Bak following through as the adult Steerforth more than fulfilling the promise.  Lovell Jones was very impressive as the young Emily showing considerable potential as an actress, with Kayleigh Orrock making much of her tiny role as the adult Emily; another up and coming young actress. Most of these actors were new faces to me but I am sure we will see them often in the future. 

The play got off to a good start with the birth of Davy in the safe hands of  Lindsey McAuley as Clara and the redoubtable Mandi Cattell as Peggotty.  Miss Cattell was excellent giving a very moving characterisation of the faithful servant.  There was great empathy with her mistress and genuine emotion in her role depicting her love of young Davy. Indeed, the scene portraying the death of Barkis was very moving.   The role of Barkis was amusingly handled by Mike Milne.  A good piece of casting with this pairing: the cart journeys were marvellous. 

Other cast pairings were also inspirational.  David Foyle as Edward Murdstone was cruel and vicious whilst Suzanne Jones as Jane Murdstone can only be described as terrifying. Then we had the ‘umble Heeps.  Guy Holmes was excellent as Uriah, his ever moving limbs creating a very uncomfortable aura – wasn’t sure about the dragging limb though.  Brenda Cottis as Mrs Heep was a good foil for the creepy Uriah a very believable mother and son! 

Rosemary Eason gave life to Betsey Trotwood in just the way Dickens intended; crusty exterior with a soft heart - except when it came to donkeys.  Clive Young as her strange companion and advisor Mr Dick was splendid; the audience took him to their hearts.  An excellent characterisation.    

Speaking of excellent characterisations the pièce de résistance was Barry Brown’s Wilkins Micawber.  Mr Brown rang every ounce of humour from this character.  One went away hoping he would be successful teaching the natives cricket in Australia.  A memorable performance.  He was ably aided and abetted by Cathy McCluskey as Mrs Micawber who was not overshadowed by her partner in the slightest.  

Added to all this were fine performances from Ron Meadows as Daniel Peggotty sporting a very believable fisherman’s beard and Thomas Mead as the love-forsaken Ham.  Maggie Hodges as Mrs Gummidge got much humour from her role and had the audience anticipating her grumbles at every entrance.  The admirable Ken Eason was believable as Mr Wickfield as he went from successful financier to drunk under the thumb of Uriah Heep.  Other performances worthy of note were Alexandra Fye as Agnes Wickfield, Louise Adams as Mrs Steerforth and Stephanie Winiecki who was impressive as the embittered Rosa Dartle.   

With a cast of over thirty it is unfortunate that space does not allow for individual mention of those who took on the variety of ensemble roles.  Suffice it to say that they all gave good accounts of themselves supporting the main characters throughout and adding an extra something to the overall production with their commitment.  In fact this was an excellent production all round.  The costumes were appropriate; lighting was extremely effective at all times and the sound effects good if sometimes over loud.