David Copperfield at Jermyn Street Theatre Review
Eddy Payne in David Copperfield. Photo by Steve Gregson
Written by Greta for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The intimate space of Jermyn Street Theatre transforms into the backdrop of an epic, fantastical journey, as we follow the trials and adventures of David Copperfield’s life during childhood, youth and manhood. Through his encounters with a wide range of peculiar characters who, for better or worse, shape his journey, this production of David Copperfield immerses the audience in a tale brimming with life and imagination.
The production is colourful and vibrant, incorporating mixed theatrical techniques such as shadows, figurines and puppetry; the end of Act One also features a truly enjoyable dance sequence which marks one of its highlights, together with the beautiful folk music that marks some of the scene changes. Writer and director Abigail Pickard Price, who adapted the script from the classic book by Charles Dickens, clearly conveys a strong vision through her adaptation, and demonstrates the skills to execute it well. The storyline retains many of the important points and unforgettable characters from the original, and seems to really come into its own in a theatrical setting.
The casting is impeccable. Luke Barton and Louise Beresford multi-role between a plethora of roles, while Eddy Payne plays the narrator, David Copperfield himself. Barton is particularly memorable as the intense and farcical Mr Micawber, leaning into the character’s absurdity with hilarious results. Beresford’s skills as character actor shine especially when she portrays men, delivering performances full of power and charm. Splitting 18 characters between them, the two multi-roling actors are always running around, moving fluidly and seamlessly to play different genders, ages, accents and temperaments. Each character emerges perfectly distinct, also thanks to the phenomenal costume design by Neil Irish. Payne’s performance as Copperfield, the only constant of the show, is steadfast and grounded, in perfect opposition and balance with the other two.
A lot of the storytelling is successfully translated on stage using symbols and signifiers. A turquoise drape hung from Emily’s dress becomes the sea, in one of the most striking and beautiful images of the production. A coat and hat held high above young David represent Mr. Murdstone, his violent stepfather. The whole production relies on imagination and playfulness; it’s theatre at its most fundamental, akin to children’s play in its boundlessness and creativity.
Despite weaving together so many elements, styles, costume changes and switches of characters, the show flows incredibly smoothly. A couple of subtle jokes are made about the madness behind it all, adding some meta texture to the show and winking at the audience with humorous complicity.
Ultimately, one can’t help of being in awe of the artistry and expertise employed to achieve such a variegated, flowing production - from the imagination and meticulous planning of the whole creative team, to the actors’ nimbleness and flexibility.
Plays until 20 December at Jermyn Street Theatre
★★★★
