Through the mists of time I had forgotten some of Charles Dickens’s most often quoted characters belonged in his story of David Copperfield which is reputed to mirror the severe ups and downs of his own life. The BOVTS has put together a truly magnificence piece of theatre in the telling of this story, aided by a simple but highly effective set and some wonderful shadow puppetry by Rebecca Rose.

Young David played by Jack Holden, is happy in his early childhood, living with his widowed mother and beloved nurse, Peggotty, and becoming involved in her family who live in Yarmouth in an upside down boat. He falls in love for the first time with little Emily, one of the Peggotty’s adopted children but is destined to be sent to school at the barbaric Salem House, presided over by the sadistic Mr Creakle.

David befriends an egotistical young man called James Steerforth played with a jolly good swagger by Harry Livingstone who presses David into story telling for the boys to escape boredom, which he does and where the shadow puppetry comes into its own.

The story has a lively plot despite the agony and misfortune that overtakes most of the characters at one time or another. The most colourful of these has got to be the debt-ridden but optimistic Mr Micawber, played to the greatest effect by Bart Edwards, supported by his hugely funny costume - he could have stepped out of a Victorian cartoon, tight breeches, large stomach and wild hair. I didn’t imagine it possible to laugh at Dickens but Bart Edwards drove me to it!

As if all of this wasn’t enough, the cast are beautiful singers too, stirring sea shanties and haunting choral pieces to set the mood; and Gemma Lawrence who plays Agnes Wickfield, adds accordion playing to her talents. Luke Newberry puts in an excellent performance as the oily and humble hand-wringer Uriah Heap making him as dislikeable as Mr Micawber is lovable. Remmie Milner shows great versatility in playing both Mrs Micawber (who despite all would never desert him) and Jane Murdstone, the implacable and cruel sister of Edward Murdstone.

All in all this is a fine production making a great showcase for the gifted young cast whilst providing a very enjoyable evening for us.

Jacquie Vowles