Nicholas Nickleby Part I
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by David Edgar
London photograph LondonPics.co.uk
Hat photograph by Shaun Webb
David Edgar's extraordinary two-part adaptation of Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby, one of the greatest comic masterpieces of the nineteenth century, became a landmark production not just for the Royal Shakespeare Company but for the British theatre on its premiere in 1980.
Not performed in the UK since then, this is a unique theatrical event not to be missed. Performed by a company of over 20 actors, David Edgar's new version of Nicholas Nickleby is presented across two performances, combining to create an experience of rare scope and genuine scale. There are opportunities to experience this exhilarating spectacle, afternoon and evening, all in one day.
The ebullient narrative follows Nicholas, left penniless on the death of his father, as he escapes the influence of his villainous uncle Ralph and the tyrannical schoolmaster Wackford Squeers and embarks on a thrilling journey through 1830s' England. He stumbles into a theatrical career with the deliciously warm-hearted actor Vincent Crummles in Portsmouth, befriends the helpless and falls in love, taking us on a spell-binding adventure which eventually sees him find happiness, as his story hurtles to its conclusion in the teeming, sprawling city of London.
Dickens' genius for creating eccentric, exuberant and captivating characters is brought vividly to life in this action-packed epic as theatrical spectacle and genuine big-heartedness flawlessly combine.
David Edgar's work includes Albert Speer and Playing with Fire for the National Theatre, Destiny, The Jail Diary of Albie Sachs, Maydays and Pentecost for the RSC, as well as numerous plays for the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
See both parts of Nicholas Nickleby and save 20% - Call the Box Office on 01243 781312
Co-producers and sponsors
Last performance |
Audio described |
Signed |
Preview |
Open University previews |
Press night |
School's Matinee |
||
-
In his preview piece on Chichester's revival of Nicholas Nickleby, my colleague Jasper Rees wrote th...Charles Spencer - The Daily Telegraph
-
In 1980 I praised the RSC's production of Nicholas Nickleby for its skill while questioning whether ...Michael Billington - The Guardian
-
It might be tempting to suggest that this two-parter is an easy option as part of artistic director ...Ian Shuttleworth - Financial Times
-
In all the years I've been visiting Chichester - and God help my greying moustache, I can just about...Benedict Nightingale - The Times
-
Nicholas Nickleby Parts I & II Festival Theatre, Chichester ***** Return of a stage legend ...Fiona Mountford - Evening Standard
-
NICKELEBY'S RETURNED IN PERFECT NICK Abundant theatricality; lashings of brutality and sentimentalit...Georgina Brown - Mail on Sunday
-
NICHOLAS NICKLEBY **** One of the bravest things you can do as a theatre director is take a second l...Paul Taylor - The Independent
Information
- This production has wheelchair access
- Post show meals are available
Click for more information - Running time: 185 minutes
20 minutes - View seating plans
