Nicholas Nickleby Parts 1 and 2
October 17, 2007
The Chichester Festival Theatre epic production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby is staged in two parts. While each “play” does stand on its own, you really have to see both parts to fully appreciate the production, with programming allowing you to either see them on separate evenings or together in one long haul. But the opening of the second play starts with a brief and delightful recap of the action in part one.
It is 21 years since the RSC toured their production of Nicholas Nickleby, and this time around the running time has been trimmed to well under seven hours, instead of eight and a half.
This epic is truly an ensemble piece , with the majority of the cast playing many parts as we follow the life of Nicholas Nickleby (played by Daniel Weyman) from just after his father has died and his Uncle Ralph arrives to take care of the family. Initially he is sent to work in a Yorkshire school with Mr Wackford Squeers, where he meets and befriends the deformed Smike . I must make special mention of both David Dawson, who tugs at the heart strings as Smike, and actually brought tears to the eyes of some of audience in his final scene. Also David Yelland as Uncle Ralph who gives a reserved, measured and controlled performance throughout which makes his final scenes more compelling as he faces financial ruin.
But one small gripe is the fact that Pip Donaghy is not nasty enough as Squeers and the expected audience reaction when Nickleby turns on him fails to materialise.
The set designed by Simon Higlett, is uncluttered yet captures the feel of Dickensian London, with a series of staircases and small buildings which line the sides and back of the stage. The main action takes place on a raised platform which has footlights at the front giving the impression you are watching a play within play (an effect brilliant used in a recent tour of Oliver Twist). Credit must go to the both directors Jonathon Church and Phillip Franks (who is still remembered for appearing in Darling Buds of May) who have brought this tale so vividly to life in such a clear, concise and entertaining way.
At all times this adaption by David Edgar is easy to follow and a delight to watch, with a brilliant comedy ending to close part one. This is classic theatre at its best and brings Dickensian England vividly to life.
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