Written by Joan MacAlpine (from Charles Dickens novel)
Ian McKellen in the role of David
Arts Theatre, Ipswich, Suffolk
4 December 1962 - 19 December 1962
Words from Ian McKellen
This adaptation ended with David’s marriage. The two-line part of Sophie was the first professional role for local amateur actress Jane Burgess (later Jane Lapotaire). On the first night, in front of her family and other supporters, I inadvertently strung two of my speeches together making hers a mute role for the evening! Jane reminded me of this in 1981 when we both won Tony Awards on Broadway (she for Piaf and I for Amadeus).
Comments and Reviews
"Individual performances are in good hands and David Copperfield, in particular, is played with convincing sincerity by Ian McKellen. In one scene, a word and a gesture from him makes briliantly clear the troubles that lay ahead."  Joan MacAlpine, The Evening Star
Banner photo: With Gawn Grainger (Uriah Heep) my closest friend at Ipswich. Thereafter his career thrived. Later married to actress Zoe Wanamaker.
Comments and Reviews
"Individual performances are in good hands and David Copperfield, in particular, is played with convincing sincerity by Ian McKellen. In one scene, a word and a gesture from him makes briliantly clear the troubles that lay ahead."  Joan MacAlpine, The Evening Star