David Copperfield: A Life

We are nearing the end of a year-long community play project here at Theatre Royal Bath, where the story of DAVID COPPERFIELD will be told by local residents, performing on the main stage in February 2026.

David Copperfield is produced by Engage the Community Engagement department who manage adult (18+) participation opportunities at the theatre.

This new visually stunning version of the classic Dickens’ tale, has been written by Mike Akers and is being devised and directed by award-winning director Sally Cookson.

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). 

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.

The Creative and Production team working on the project are:

Writer, Mike Akers
Director and Devisor, Sally Cookson
Composer & Musical Director, John O’Hara
Costume Designer, Katie Sykes
Set Designer, Ti Green
Movement Director, Laïla Diallo
Assistant Directors, Lydia Cook and Sophie Cottle

If you have a question, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: (message only): 07796598478 
Telephone: 01225 823409

Sally Cookson, director and devisor of David Copperfield, says:

"Having worked as a director in the theatre industry for over 30 years, I’ve reached a time in my life where I want to feel connected creatively to a new, broader artistic community and I want to make art with people I don’t usually get the opportunity of making art with. I believe that everyone is an artist, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve never stepped foot in a theatre before, never performed at school, never sung in the shower - we want you in this show! Our values are all about being Brave, Open and Generous so no one will ever be made to feel unwelcome. How exciting it will be to dive together into the story of David Copperfield (if you haven’t read the 950-page novel it doesn’t matter I promise!!!!) - the resilient orphan who despite his cruel childhood discovers that life maybe a rollercoaster but it can also be the most glorious ride, especially when you face challenges head on and open yourself to love and being loved. The end of the story sees David as an old man reflecting back on his life and giving thanks to the gloriously diverse community of family and friends he has become part of. The desire to feel connection in a time of global chaos is tangible right now, and David Copperfield taps into our human need to belong. The story is also as hilarious as it is heart breaking with a fairy tale quality which is always something that gets my creative juices flowing. Through making a spectacular piece of theatre we will build a community, acknowledging and celebrating our differences whilst uniting in our shared creativity to sing, dance, act and immerse ourselves in a truly creative collaboration. Come and be part of the fun." 

Katherine Lazare, Head of Community Engagement at the Theatre Royal Bath, says:

“The beauty of Community Plays is they bring lots of different people together with the same aim: to make a show and tell a story. It really doesn't matter if you've taken part in anything like this before or not; in the rehearsal room everyone is equal. We are looking for open and enthusiastic people. David Copperfield is a wonderful, life-affirming story, which will be explored by the company in rehearsals with director Sally Cookson and writer Mike Akers. Sally’s truly collaborative approach and visionary style of direction will bring this story to life in the most inventive and unexpected ways. Mike works in the rehearsal room to get to know the cast and explore the story together as a company - meaning everyone has a stake in the final play. If we’ve piqued your interest but you’re not sure whether it’s for you or not, book onto one of our Free Taster Workshops in March.”   

Engage is kindly supported by the Miss Beryl Billings Charitable Trust.