05 March 2026
David Copperfield: A Gala
A fundraising gala performance of David Copperfield: A Life in aid of The Billings
ON THE RED CARPET
On 21st February 2026 Theatre Royal Bath hosted a fundraising Gala performance in aid of our new community venue - The Billings. Guests enjoyed a red carpet welcome photoshoot in their finery before being shown to a private reception in the Vaults Bar, with wine gifted by Canned Wine Co.
Guests took to the red carpet in all their finery to show support for 'David Copperfield: A Life' and The Billings.
A GALA RECEPTION
Guests were then led to the auditorium for a chat with Olivier Award Winning Director, Sally Cookson and Head of Theatre Royal Bath, Danny Moar - while the company of David Copperfield: A Life warmed up behind the curtain - to give guests an idea of what the process of this mass community show has been, and what the theatre has planned for community outreach in the future. And then, it was showtime!
Bath-based actress and Emmy Award nominee, Ashley Jensen, star of Extras, Nativity, Ugly Betty and Shetland took to the stage to welcome gala guests and introduce the new venue as The Billings, after Her Majesty Queen Camilla revealed the new name earlier in the week.
Drinks in the Vaults followed by a chat with Theatre Royal Bath director, Danny Moar, director, Sally Cookson and writer, Mike Akers. Television's Ashley Jensen opened the gala with her enthusiasm for community theatre.
A CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION ON STAGE
After enjoying the performance, guests were then welcome onto the stage for a champagne drinks reception to mingle among the set of the show, a very rare treat! Guests also enjoyed the company of the creative team, as well as a reading of a poem by Josh Hall who played Mr Dick in the production.
Guests stepped onto the stage to enjoy drinks in the company of the creative team, as well as a reading of a poem by Josh Hall who played Mr Dick in the production.
"When David Copperfield began, We didn’t know each other at all, We were a group of strangers, But we could hear the journey call"
- A poem by Josh Hall, Mr Dick
"One hundred unknown faces, And two hundred unknown eyes, Were not familiar to anyone, An unexpected surprise!"
- A poem by Josh Hall, Mr Dick
" Over the course of eleven months, We all bonded with a story to tell, Of David Copperfield’s life adventures, With happy memories and sad times as well,"
- A poem by Josh Hall, Mr Dick
" With director Sally Cookson, And writer Mike Akers too, And musical director John as well, We wanted to make friends new"
- A poem by Josh Hall, Mr Dick
"We told this story with BSL With our voices, hands and hearts, Throughout this DC journey, An incredible work of art"
- A poem by Josh Hall, Mr Dick
" Once a group of total strangers, Became the best of friends! Now we are an ensemble, Where every story blends"
- A poem by Josh Hall, Mr Dick
"When this play is over, We’ll be sad to say goodbye, It will be hard for all of us, To try hard not to cry"
- A poem by Josh Hall, Mr Dick
"But that’s OK, I’m sure we’ll meet, For coffee and a chat, We’ll have a picnic in the summer, We must remember our sunhat"
- A poem by Josh Hall, Mr Dick
" When we take our last bow, After our final curtain call, To say to all the audience ‘Goodbye for now, that’s all!’"
- A poem by Josh Hall, Mr Dick
All red carpet photography by Darius Jean
All gala reception and auditorium photography by Bath Spa University student photographers Amelia Washington and Holly Watson