Audible unveils original dramatisation of David Copperfield
August 16, 2023
Audible, a provider of spoken word entertainment, has announced its new Audible Original dramatisation of David Copperfield, executive produced by Academy Award-winning film director Sam Mendes.
Starring BAFTA nominated actor, Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education) in the title role, and featuring an all-star cast including Helena Bonham Carter (Sweeney Todd), Theo James (The White Lotus), Jessie Buckley (Chernobyl), Richard Armitage (The Hobbit), Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) and Toby Jones (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), David Copperfield is the second in Sam Mendes’ Dickens collaboration with Audible, following the success of Oliver Twist which released last year.
Dickens himself referred to David Copperfield as his “favourite child”, and it’s easy to see why. This Audible retelling sees David Copperfield (played by Ncuti Gatwa) as he finds his way in a challenging world. We journey with David as he comes across his eccentric Aunt Betsey, the faithful Peggotty and loquacious Mr.Micawber, comes up against the villainous Micawbers and Uriah Heep, and falls in love with Little Em’ly, Dora and Agnes. And then there is old school friend James Steerforth, dashing, daring and seductive. This dramatisation explores the complexities and intimacies of that relationship beyond anything possible in Dickens’ day, in an adaptation giving fresh life and vividness to this beloved tale.
As with Sam Mendes’ Oliver Twist, David Copperfield will be released globally by Audible and is being recorded in Audible’s state-of-the-art-studio in the heart of London, as well as in the Charles Dickens Museum, bringing the sounds of the capital that inspired Dickens’ masterpieces to the fully dramatised productions using Dolby Atmos sound.
Sam Mendes, Executive Producer of David Copperfield said: “I’m thrilled to continue my collaboration with Audible after the success of Oliver Twist and where better to go next than to David Copperfield, which for so many – and indeed for Dickens himself – is a favourite amongst his canon. We have an outstanding cast, led by the incomparable Ncuti Gatwa whose amazing comic timing brings new dimensions to the character of David. In the sound design we’ve leaned into hyper realism so that the listener really feels like they’re on the journey with David through his misfortunes and triumphs. Another feast for the ears.”
Aurelie de Troyer, Head of Content UK and Canada at Audible said: “We are delighted to be working with the incredible Sam Mendes again in the next instalment of our Dickens collaboration. David Copperfield features rich storytelling and who better to breathe new life into the character of David, than the shining star that is Ncuti Gatwa in his audio drama acting debut. The cast in sensational and the cinematic sound design will transport listeners to Dickens’ world as soon as they hit play.”
Sir Sam Mendes is an award-winning director, known for his acclaimed work on films such as American Beauty, Skyfall, Revolutionary Road, 1917, Road to Perdition and Jarhead. Awards include the Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture, three other Academy Award nominations and three Golden Globe Awards.His work in theatre, directing plays including The Ferryman, The Lehman Trilogy and Company on the West End and Broadway has seen him awarded five Laurence Olivier Awards and three Tony Awards for Best Direction of a Play.