Louise Beresford stars in David Copperfield, a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, presented by Guildford Shakespeare Company at Jermyn Street Theatre. This inventive production sees three actors bring to life over a dozen characters using imaginative staging and storytelling.
Directed by Abigail Pickard Price, the show promises a festive treat filled with Victorian charm, wit, and heart. Louise shares insights into the creative process and what audiences can expect from this unique theatrical experience.
David Copperfield runs from 20 November to 20 December 2025, with a press night on 25 November. Book tickets here.
You’re starring in David Copperfield at Jermyn Street Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
David Copperfield is a vibrant coming-of-age journey, with lots of laughs, lots of heart, and many, many characters, entirely retold by a cast of three.
David Copperfield features just three performers playing dozens of characters. How do you approach such a demanding and dynamic role?
Pre-rehearsal prep, always! Prior to any show I always prepare as much about the character as I can: who they are, what makes them tick, why they’re doing what they do, along with ideas to play with in the rehearsal room.
With nine characters to play, this was particularly key for this show!
What’s it been like working with Guildford Shakespeare Company?
It’s been so much fun working for Guildford Shakespeare Company. The whole team is so welcoming and insanely talented.
Due to the nature of this show, rehearsals have been a very collaborative process—editing the script, uncovering how best to tell the story, and navigating entire scene changes in the space of one line, all while smoothly changing from a tophat and tailcoat into a bustle and bonnet.
Although fun to do and impressive when executed well, it is not an easy feat! But our director Abigail makes navigating these feel seamless, accompanied by Amy Lawrence’s beautiful movement direction, and, of course, not forgetting the sound, lights, costume and production team who are always ready to accommodate whatever mad idea we throw at them.
The production uses hats, trunks, and puppets to bring Dickens’ world to life. Can you share a moment where this creative staging really shines?
The whole show is like one continuous dance as each scene and costume change flows into the next, so it’s hard to isolate one specific point—plus I’d hate to spoil anything for the audience.
All I’ll say is it’s incredible what you can achieve with a single coat. You’ll have to come see it to find out.
You’ve performed in a wide range of productions, how does David Copperfield compare to your previous work?
A lot of my work has been character-led, having performed and written sketch comedy at the start of my career and going on to a lot of new writing plays, both by others and my own.
But this has been a really exciting new challenge to adapt a very well-known book (consisting of 64 chapters and, quite frankly, a million characters) into a three-person show.
My previous experience has definitely come in handy for this process, but I’ve also learnt so much and loved every moment of it.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see David Copperfield?
Well think no more! This beautiful, heart-warming story has got something for everyone—laughs, love, sea shanties, boxing donkeys and many, many hats!
It’s one hell of a rollercoaster. Or, if none of that floats your boat, just come to see if Luke, Eddy and I can pull off 19 scene changes and over 22 characters.
