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David Copperfield

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About this listen

In an Audible Original dramatization, executive produced by Academy Award-winning film director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, 1917), come on a journey with David Copperfield as he finds his way in a challenging world. Starring Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education, Barbie) in the title role, and featuring an all-star cast including Helena Bonham Carter (Sweeney Todd), Theo James (The White Lotus), Jessie Buckley (Chernobyl), Richard Armitage (The Hobbit), Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) and Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.)

Join David as he encounters his eccentric Aunt Betsey, faithful Peggotty and the villainous Uriah Heep, and as he falls in love with Little Em'ly, Dora and Agnes. And then there is old school friend James Steerforth: dashing, daring and seductive. This dramatisation explores the complexities and intimacies of that relationship beyond anything possible in Dickens' day, in an adaptation giving fresh life and vividness to this beloved tale.

The cast also stars Reece Kenwyne Mpudzi as young David Copperfield, Izuka Hoyle as Agnes, Ralph Ineson as Mr Creakle, Indira Varma as Jane Murdstone and Katy Wix as Mrs Micawber.

Featuring David Ahmad, Tom Alexander, Rhys Bailey, Dempsey Bovell, Rhiannon Clements, Zach Colton, Quentin DeBorne, Philip Desmeules, Siahra Edmondson, Ebony Feare, Chris Grahamson, David Holt, Martin Hutson, Gordon Kennedy, Simon Ludders, James MacCallum, Stefan McCusker, Kiki May, Fiz Marcus, Harry Myers, Jude Muir, Yasmin Mwanza, Maisie Preston, Dan Starkey, Catrin Stewart, Janet Abra Thompson, Inel Tomlinson, Sarah Whitehouse and Simon Yadoo.

Directed by Mariele Runacre Temple and Daniel Jewel, with an original soundtrack by Dan Gillespie Sells.

This production contains scenes of violence which some listeners may find distressing.

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

Public Domain (P)2023 Audible Ltd. Classics Thought-Provoking Funny

Listen to clips from the audiobook

Sam Mendes presents David Copperfield
Betsey Trotwood does not like donkeys!
David and Steerforth have a heated discussion
Mr Creakle tells young David about his mother passing away
  • Sam Mendes presents David Copperfield
  • Betsey Trotwood does not like donkeys!
  • David and Steerforth have a heated discussion
  • Mr Creakle tells young David about his mother passing away

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 Oliver Twist cover art

David Copperfield

Undergoing a transformative journey from adolescence to adulthood, David pursues a career in law. However, grappling between romanticism and realism, his biggest battle is working out what he truly wants from life.

James Steerforth

A classmate and friend of David's, Steerforth is a charismatic figure who views life as a game rather than a serious endeavour, leaving a lasting impact on David’s journey.

Aunt Betsey Trotwood

David's eccentric guardian, Aunt Betsey is a forceful and independent woman, embodying a unique blend of fierceness and femininity. Despite her blunt exterior, she cares deeply for David.

Clara Peggotty

A solid, unpretentious working-class woman, Peggotty is a housekeeper in the Copperfield household.

Mr Murdstone

Second husband to Clara Copperfield and step-father to David, Mr Murdstone is tyrannical in nature.

Miss Murdstone

Sister to Mr Murdstone, Miss Murdstone is heavily critical of David and is considered even more fearsome than her brother.

Mr Micawber

Mr Micawber faces life's challenges with boundless optimism, despite his financial struggles.

Uriah Heep

Initially a devoted servant to Mr Wickfield, Uriah conceals resentment and ambitious desires, striving to exploit who he can to get where he wants.

Agnes

Agnes grew up alongside David and is mature beyond her years. Her patience and commitment to David leads to a realisation of love.

Dora

Dora is the daughter of David’s employer, Mr Spenlow. She struggles with the challenges of lower-middle-class life after her father's death, but forms a deep connection with David.

Mr Creakle

The headmaster of David’s school, Salem House, Mr Creakle personifies everything about the harsh 19th-century education system.

Mrs Micawber

Wife to Mr Micawber's, she is faced with the challenges of a life filled with debt and domestic disturbances.

Get to know David Copperfield lead, Ncuti Gatwa

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Don't pay any attention to the reviewer who complained about the audio quality. He had clearly been only listening to one channel only of the stereo recording which is the best I have ever heard of this type of programme. The story has been brought to life in an extraordinary way.
Highly recommended.

First class production standards. Excellent cast, superbly performed.

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That was brilliant! I don't normally listen to audio books, but what an experience. I've read David Copperfield and seen some TV adaptations, but not for some years, so I had forgotten much of the plot.
The performances were fantastic - especially Ncuti Gatwa, Helena Bonham-Carter, Jessie Buckley, Jack Lowden and of course Theo James (whose voice I could listen to all day long). Listening to it as a dramatisation and knowing many of the actors allows you to imagine the scenes in your head even more vividly than reading the book. And of course the fabulous sound effects and music really make you feel as if you were there. I'm off to check out the dramatisation of Oliver Twist now.

Fantastic performances

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Exciting, perfectly narrated adaptation of a Dickens classic, it completely captivated my imagination from start to finish, excellent casting

Excellent adaptation

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Very enjoyable listen. Great performances from the whole cast. Great that it's part of the plus catalogue.

New take on an old classic

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Storytelling was brilliant and the characters were brought to life by the excellent acting. I became fed up of hearing how “humble” Heap was!!

The inability of Copperfield to grasp reality.

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Thank you Audible for including this in your Plus Catalogue. I was completely swept up in the performances; I believed in them all. Great casting. I loathed Heep and loved the angular Betsey Trotwood etc. etc. etc. Perfect.

Outstanding

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I loved the expressive voices and story telling. I devoured it in two days. Can’t wait to hear the next collection.

A feast for the ears.

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just a joy ,so entertaining, wonderful, highly recommend, wish I could listen again and again

wonderful

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I loved every second of it, magnificent performance, star studded audiobook. this is definitely in top 3 of the audiobooks available on Audible.

absolutel delight to listen

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Great retelling of a classic story. Brilliant cast that draw you in. Immerse yourself in the world of Dickens.

Immerse yourself in Dickens

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