Rehearsals in full swing for epic community production David Copperfield: A Life at Theatre Royal Bath

Rehearsals are underway for a fantastic new re-telling of Charles Dickens’ beloved story at the Theatre Royal Bath, as an inclusive company of more than 100 people come together to stage David Copperfield: A Life.

This epic community production, led by award-winning director Sally Cookson, together with writer Mike Akers, will run for five performances only, from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February 2026. The production will include creative BSL integration, visually stunning storytelling, and live music.

David Copperfield: A Life follows the story of David Copperfield from infancy to adulthood as he strives to find love and connection in a world that feels at times impossibly lonely and cruel, this epic tale is packed with some of Dickens’s most vivid characters including Peggotty, Betsey Trotwood, Steerforth, and Uriah Heap.

Director Sally Cookson said: “Back in February, we began the process of inviting anyone who wanted to be part of this project to join in one of several taster workshops that were held in various locations throughout Bath and North East Somerset. The aim of the project - to create a piece of theatre together. Nine months on and we are in the middle of rehearsals, no longer strangers but a community of over one hundred theatre makers, all with a variety of experiences, investing every part of ourselves and looking out for each other, to bring a story – that we have come to love – to life. At the heart of our production is the power of the ensemble - discovering how a large group of people can connect not only with each other on stage but with an audience to unite and delight in the power of storytelling. We are grappling, playing, problem solving and joyously jumping into the unknown together, stretching ourselves in every conceivable way. What is certain is that our version of David Copperfield will be a unique theatrical experience, made by this extraordinary company with bravery, openness, generosity and a lot of LOVE." 

Acclaimed writing and directing team Sally Cookson and Mike Akers have previously collaborated on productions of Jane Eyre and Peter Pan, which transferred from Bristol Old Vic to the National Theatre. Most recently Sally Cookson directed Dracula: Mina's Reckoning for National Theatre of Scotland, Birthmarked for Edinburgh Festival and Wonderboy for Bristol Old Vic. She received an Olivier Award for A Monster Calls at London’s Old Vic Theatre, winning Best Family and Entertainment in 2019, and three Olivier nominations for Peter Pan (National Theatre/Bristol Old Vic), Hetty Feather (Kenny Wax Productions), and Cinderella A Fairytale (The Other Palace, London). Her productions of Jane Eyre and Peter Pan have been made into National Theatre Live films. Writer Mike Akers has worked regularly as dramaturg with Sally Cookson on shows including Boing! and a trio of highly successful Bristol Old Vic productions - Treasure Island, Peter Pan and Jane Eyre - the latter two of which can be seen on National Theatre Live.

A Charity Gala performance will also take place on Saturday 21 February at 7pm in support of Venue 4, the new Community theatre space being created in the heart of Theatre Royal Bath. Ticket holders for this black-tie event can enjoy a red-carpet welcome with guest announcer and VIP treatment.

This production is the spectacular result of a year-long project from a professional creative team who have worked with a cast of more than 100 Community actors to bring Dicken’s masterful mix of poignancy and humour to life.

David Copperfield: A Life appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February 2026. To book tickets contact the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or book online at theatreroyal.org.uk.