David Copperfield

Having been brought up with Charles Dickens, (no I’m not that old) – my mother was able to quote many paragraphs from his books. David Copperfield was based on the true life of Dickens and he said it was his favourite book.  All the characters were there carefully brought to life. Young David (Sean Chadwick) was excellent , playing the part with great feeling for a youngster, enduring the hardships of this era. It will be impossible to mention all the characterisations in this play, just to say how excellent they all were. Fiona Dudley was the lovable, true to the book, Peggotty who was later wed to Barkis (Ray Haslam) due probably to the fact that he continually made it clear that ‘Barkis is willin!” David as a young man was Johnny Ellis, an endearing performance here speaking the narrative by heart . David’s mother in the play was played by Jo Chadwick who must have been proud to have two of her children playing leading roles – Carrie playing young Agnes. Nigel Ramsden was suitably nasty as David’s step-father Mr.Murdstone. I particularly loved Jon Wray as Mr. Peggotty  along with Clair Coggrave and David Vince as Mr. and Mrs. Micawber. Their accents were true Suffolk!!

Aunt Betsy Trotwood (Bryony Allen) was as you would imagine, sharp of tongue and kindness of heart.  Mr Creakle (who had a wooden leg and only spoke in a whisper) was Martin Hill, he must have studied this character to get him so well.

I liked Dora suitably naive and childlike, with her dog (very well behaved and a star, played by Bobbie!)  David’s friend Steerforth was nicely upper class.  Well done to Will Robb and also to Henry Warner who played him later in life. Chris Vince played the cringing ‘umble’ unlikable Uriah Heep – well done to him, (David in the book longs to throw his boot at him!)

I said I would not mention all the characters, but I must say everyone was great and you must praise the Stowmarket Juniors who worked well with the adults. The costumes were authentic and the scene changes were performed smoothly.

A feather in your cap Stowmarket, brilliant all round, well done.

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