Copperfield

Exmouth Players
Copperfield
Abridged from Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield;

Directed by Nick Lawrence
The Blackmore Theatre, Exmouth
Sunday 7 th December 2025
‘Tricia Barclay
NODA SW Representative District 6

This was a super adaptation by the Director of his favourite novel by Charles
Dickens. With a large cast and lots of changes of scene David’s story was followed
faithfully from his childhood to his adult years and eventual marriage.
Using just one set, a rather austere sitting-room, scenery and furniture were brought
on and off as needed to represent the various locations as David was moved from
pillar to post, particularly during his younger years.
All the familiar characters from the novel were on board and well represented by the
performers.
David’s mother Clara was sweet and gentle but was easily taken in by a very stern
and controlling Mr Murdstone, who was exceedingly well supported by his hard-
faced sister Jane. Once under their power life became very miserable for the boy.
Peggotty was a lovely warm and homely character who was able to make David’s
life more bearable by spending time with her welcoming relatives in Yarmouth.
Barkis was also a great character, shuffling on and off, believably climbing on to the
front of the “trap” jogging along as he steered the “pony” here and there, and yes, he
was certainly “willing”!
The performer in the role of the young David was simply outstanding, he lit up the
stage with every entrance, and his expressions and measured movements were just
delightful!
Mr Micawber was most gregarious and extremely well fussed over by his attentive
wife, and Emily and Traddles were equally well represented, with Junior and Senior
players ably sharing the roles.
The duplicitous Steerforth played throughout in great style by the same performer,
came over as an affable “fellow well met”. Cunningly concealing his true nature, he
got his “just deserts” in the end, and Jane Murdstone showed her versatility doubling
in the more caring role of his mother.
Betsey Trotwood was believable as David’s aunt, initially sceptical but eventually
supportive, and was well attended by Mr Dick, and Uriah Heep was a decidedly
creepy character.
Stepping in at very short notice the performer playing the “grown-up” David did
sterling work and gave a very credible performance.

There was plenty of doubling up in this production with many costume changes
throughout which must have made life very interesting backstage!
On occasion the scene changing was a slight distraction, but all was handled
smoothly and efficiently – again this could not have been easy to achieve in such a
small space.

Lighting and sound complemented the action with some very well-chosen pieces of
music suitable for accompanying the piece.
Everyone played their parts sincerely and with conviction, a strong feeling of
teamwork spilled out into the auditorium, and all made for a delightful representation
of this well-known tale.

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