David Copperfield (Dramatised)

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Miriam Margolyes, Timothy Spall, Phil Daniels, Sheila Hancock

David Copperfield is the story of a boy growing to maturity in the affairs of the world and of the heart, surrounded by some of Dickens' most memorable characters: David's eccentric great-aunt, Miss Betsey Trotwood; the ever-optimistic Mr Micawber; jolly Peggotty and her willing husband Barkis; the charming Steerforth; the ever so 'umble Uriah Heep; and the foolishly innocent Dora.

But will David finally find happiness with the faithful Agnes Wickfield, whom he has known since childhood? And is her own future secure, threatened as it is by Uriah Heep, her father's clerk?

This full-cast audio dramatisation of the Dickens classic stars Miriam Margolyes, Timothy Spall, Phil Daniels, and Sheila Hancock.

Public Domain (P)2012 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

An Excellent Performance

For me, this novel, and this dramatized version specifically, call forth a lot of warm memories. As a girl, I read an abridged version and liked it enough to buy the full one much later, but between the two, I became acquainted with this one through a friend. I listened to it through much of my life in undergraduate school, and I cannot hear it today without thinking of relaxing times when my work was done, I'd brought a nice meal back to my single dorm room, and all I wanted to do was curl up with a book. All of that aside, I have a variety of reasons for recommending it to you.

Unlike some dramatizations, particularly those from long ago, all the story's elements are there. As you can no doubt see if you check the length of the single-voiced, unabridged versions, this is condensed, but the essentials of the story that drive it along are included. Nor were many liberties taken; no extra plot elements were added, and it remains fairly true to the novel itself.

The narrator, who also played David, was a particularly well chosen one. The narration added just the right tone to the story, and yet, he was quite skillful when it came to portraying David in his conversations with other characters.

Overall, the cast for this book was also chosen well. In particular, I am pointing out Betsy Trotwood, Uriah Heap, the Peggity's, Agnes Wickfield, Mr. Micawber, and Ham. While I did not mention everyone I liked, these are my particular highlights, and I can assure you that those who portray the other characters are also talented and were chosen thoughtfully. As a whole, the good casting choices highlighted the emotions of the story, everything from unbridled happiness to utter sorrow. They really got into the performance and consequently did an outstanding job.

The sound effects felt very realistic, not overwhelming nor artificial. To the story, they collectively add that feeling one gets when reading a good classic. Likewise, the few pieces of music selected for the performance enhanced it and evoke some of the best memories of it for me.

As to the story itself, I loved watching David growing from a small, innocent child to a boy who had undergone a lot of bad changes in fortune while maintaining his fine character, changing to a somewhat impulsive, naive, yet still good man, and then, due to many ups and downs, growing into a more careful, wiser, and yet still happy one. The story includes many beloved characters; I particularly liked his aunt and nurse as well as Agnes. It is a study in emotional highs and lows. You meet characters who are good people yet laced with faults and flaws, you get to see a villain taken out of commission, and the high points and terrible losses will always stick with you.

If you would like a different but still classic take on a good book, or if you're just getting into classic novels, I highly recommend this one.

Marvelous!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This dramatization is the best I've ever heard done of any Dicken's books. The characters are perfectly cast, and the story is wonderful. If you want to enjoy David Copperfield at its best, listen to this one!

Loved it!

A beautiful story and a faultless performance by the BBC cast. Who can find fault with a wonderful Dickens novel like that?

Dramatised version is a treasure

I bought this version of the book on tape years ago and loved it. It's one of the few books I've listened to over and over. I've searched everywhere for a cd version and am thrilled to find it here on Audible. The voice actors, the presentation, the overall performance including sound effects and all is a treat. The characters come to life. Though the story is abridged, it doesn't feel like it has been shortened. It feels like it has extra depth.

A splendid story dramatized by a fabulous cast. Bravo. And thank you.

This dramatization of David Copperfield by the BBC cast is enthralling. I hated for it to finish. Wonderful story by Dickens. And faithfully presented by the BBC. Thank you.