After seeing the 2001 adaptation, I said I would see this theatre adaptation, and it was well worth the time and every bit as good as it was touted to be. It is the best adaptation of Dickens' novel easily, there are a few things missing but it is very faithful to the mammoth and somewhat structurally sprawling source material, in detail and in spirit. The costumes and sets are not exactly grand(then again this is a stage adaptation rather than a film or TV series, which would have a different feel), but they do look good and scenes move swiftly and don't interfere with the drama at all. The sound effects are well-incorporated and never do they feel bizarre, while the dialogue is simply terrific, the story cohesive and emotionally impactful and the drama is done to the extent that you don't lose interest. The performances are even better than one could ask for. Roger Rees' Nicholas is outstanding, while the other actors are in multiple roles he plays this single role, this more than makes sense as Nicholas is the biggest role and he is on stage/screen almost the whole time. Emily Richard does a great job making much of a thankless role(if there is anything to criticise Dickens for, it was how he wrote his main female heroines), John Woodvine is a cold conflicted Ralph Nickleby, David Threlfall is astonishingly affecting as Smike and Alun Armstrong's Mr Wackford Squeers is funny and grotesque. In fact everybody play their roles true to character and seem to be having a lot of fun, and without falling into caricature as well. All in all, brilliant, if you love the book or Dickens there is no reason why you shouldn't see this. 10/10 Bethany Cox
