David Copperfield - Holy Trinity Church, Guildford

Charles Dickens’ famous novel has been adapted countless times since its original publication, with many of those interpretations taking to the stage. To celebrate 20 years on the theatre scene, the Guildford Shakespeare Company has taken on the formidable challenge of creating its own adaptation—and the result is an undeniable success.

At its heart, David Copperfield is a coming-of-age story that charts one young man’s journey through hardship, self-discovery, and personal growth. Beginning in childhood and following David into adulthood, the narrative explores his experiences of loss, resilience, and ambition as he navigates an often unforgiving world. Along the way, he encounters a vivid cast of characters who shape his understanding of kindness, cruelty, loyalty, and independence. Dickens’ story is as much a reflection on identity and moral development as it is a portrait of society, offering a richly layered exploration of what it means to find one’s place in the world.

Steve Gregson

Adapted by Abigail Pickard Price, Sarah Gobran, and Matt Pinches, this production carries a striking and ambitious peculiarity: it is performed by just three actors. Those familiar with the richly populated world of this story will appreciate how remarkable such a feat truly is. While the scale of the undertaking alone is impressive, the execution is even more so. Eddy Payne, who takes on the role of David himself, is the only performer not to multi-role. The remaining two actors, Luke Barton and Louise Beresford, each inhabit nine additional characters. Yet the true beauty of this production lies not merely in the technical achievement of multi-roling, but in the performers’ ability to make the audience almost forget that there are only three of them on stage.

Not only is the production visually beautiful, it is also remarkably inventive. Without giving too much of the magic away, the character of David Copperfield’s oppressive stepfather is evocatively realised through a long trench coat and top hat, controlled and voiced by Luke Barton. The result is a haunting, almost spectral presence, its ghost-like, grim-reaper quality lending the character an added layer of menace. Throughout the production, there is a palpable sense of creative freedom. Every idea appears to have been explored fully and allowed space to exist, resulting in a piece of theatre that feels both fearless and finely honed. It is theatrical storytelling in its purest and most accomplished form.

Steve Gregson

The set (Neil Irish) and lighting (Mark Dymock) design are particularly striking, made even more impressive by the venue itself. With translucent panels forming the majority of the set, the lighting design is given ample opportunity to shine (pun intended). Clever use of props allows the set to grow alongside the characters, adapting swiftly and seamlessly as the story unfolds. Opportunities to experience theatre within a church are rare, and this production makes exceptional use of the space. The stone walls provide a rich canvas for the lighting, while the natural acoustics enhance both spoken word and sound design (Matt Eaton). In one especially atmospheric moment, the suggestion of a storm is rendered through light and sound alone, with shifting shadows and distant thunder playing across the upper reaches of the church’s dome. The effect is quietly breath-taking, transforming the architecture into part of the storytelling and lending the scene a poetic intensity that lingers long after it has passed.

Ultimately, this production is a testament to the power of imagination, collaboration, and thoughtful restraint. With only three performers, intricately thought out props, and a single set, the Guildford Shakespeare Company manages to create a world that feels expansive, emotionally rich, and utterly absorbing.

As a celebration of the company’s twenty years on the theatre scene, this adaptation feels both fitting and triumphant. It honours the spirit of Dickens’ work while confidently asserting its own identity, reminding audiences of what theatre can achieve at its very best: connection, creativity, and a shared sense of wonder.

Production Value: 85%

Value For Money: 85%

Personal Enjoyment: 85%

Overall Score: 85% - ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️⭐️ (5*)

(AD | gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: Holy Trinity Church, Guildford

Playing until: 28th February 2026

Run Time: Approximately 2h30 - including a 20 minute interval

Tickets for this show can be found at this link