DAVID COPPERFIELD | 6th-28th February 2026

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“Procrastination is the thief of time. Collar him!”

David Copperfield of Blunderstone Rookery (with no rooks in it) is quickly tossed into a world of peculiar aunts, tyrannical stepfathers and dismal boarding schools… but this is not your regular Victorian novel, and David is not your regular hero.

This is the whirlwind tale of a young man’s life from humble beginnings to literary renown; a journey of romance and adventure filled with lovable rogues, wily scoundrels and benevolent patrons.

Three actors bring to life 19 of Charles Dickens’ magnificently drawn characters including the deliciously eccentric Betsy Trotwood, scheming Uriah Heep, adorable Peggotty and one of his greatest comedy creations, the irrepressible Mr Micawber.

Join us for an enchanting romp stuffed with Victorian charm, larger-than-life characters and timeless wit… and kites… and donkeys…

From the same creative team that brought you the international, 5-star hit Pride & Prejudice.

CONTENT GUIDANCE

This is a playful adaptation of Dickens’ Victorian novel, however it does contain themes of hardship, child mistreatment, and death. There are specific instances of violence, emotional manipulation, alcoholism and reference to mental health issues. Our content warnings are updated as a production evolves through rehearsals and previews, so please note they may change between booking a ticket and seeing the production. Age guidance 8+

LUKE BARTON returns to GSC following his much-loved performances in Pride & Prejudice as Mr Darcy, most of the Bennet sisters, Lady Catherine de Burgh and many more! Other recent theatre includes: Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense (Salisbury Playhouse/Bolton Octagon); The Valley of Fear, Frankenstein and The Sign of Four (Blackeyed Theatre, UK Tours).

Luke plays: Peggotty, Ham, Mr Creakle, Mr Murdstone, Mr Dick, Mr Micawber, Mr Spenlow, Mr Wickfield, Mrs Steerforth

LOUISE BERESFORD'S recent theatre credits include Bedroom Farce (Eastbourne & UK Tour); PA (Rental) (Criterion Theatre); Present Laughter & Noises Off (Frinton) and Magic Goes Wrong (Apollo Theatre). As a writer, Louise has written and performed as part of comedy troupe Lead Pencil, where she developed several critically acclaimed shows at the Edinburgh Festival and appeared on BBC Radio 4, Comedy Central, and Funny or Die.

Louise plays: Miss Betsey, Mother, Steerforth, Mrs Micawber, Emily, Uriah Heep, Dora, Mr Peggotty, Agnes

EDDY PAYNE also returns to GSC following performances in Richard II (2023), Romeo & Juliet/Macbeth (community tour) and The Two Noble Kinsmen. Other recent theatre credits include: Pinocchio (Watermill Theatre); Little Women, Romeo & Juliet, Stig of the Dump (Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre).

Eddy plays: David Copperfield

Original story by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Abigail Pickard Price, with Sarah Gobran & Matt Pinches
Directed by Abigail Pickard Price
Designed by Neil Irish
Lighting by Mark Dymock
Sound by Matt Eaton
Movement Director Amy Lawrence
Fight Director Philip d'Orléans
Associate Designer & Costume Supervisor Anett Black
Production & Company Stage Manager Hannah Walker