The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

It's quite hard to photograph a stage play for television or the movies. Most times the finished product must, of necessity, do close-ups of some actor or small group of actors, while the entire stage picture is not visible. With "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" a monumental theatrical undertaking is transformed quite admirably to the small screen. Filmed at The Old Vic in London, the entire show--sets, costumes, lighting, music, and above all else, the acting and direction--are given an immediacy and intimacy that makes the audience member feel as though the show is being performed for them alone.

Charles Dickens works were, by and large, quite long, the original publication being serialized in newspapers and magazines. Rich in character and descriptive passages, with dialog sparkling with the many levels of society that Dickens portrayed, plot layered upon sub-plot and more sub-plot, it would have been understandable if the writers and producers were reluctant to try to bring such a complex novel to life. Certainly, movies are rife with misguided attempts to take 1000 page novels and turn them into 100 minute movies. Seldom do they do more than touch on the highlights of a novel, and then they often feel the need to add story lines that weren't in the original in a foolish attempt to make the production more acceptable to modern audiences. "Nicholas Nickleby" does it right. In nine glorious hours of high energy acting, the tale of Nicholas, his sister Kate, friend Smike, Newman Noggs, greedy uncle Ralph, and the delightful brothers Cheryble unfolds before us.

With a cast numbering more than 40 playing well over 200 roles, the show moves easily from the Nickleby clan's arrival in London to their ultimate happiness, with the usual collection of Dickensian hardships and triumphs along the way. Many actors will be familiar to audiences, although the names might not be so. Certainly, if you watch enough British television on A & E or BBC you will recognize several of the cast members, and Roger Rees, brilliant in the title role, has long been familiar to American audiences.

But pay close attention to the smaller roles, too. An old theater adage says "there are no small parts, only small actors." This show is a perfect example of quality acting from largest to smallest role. Had one actor not been totally on top of their game, it would have stood out badly. Watch the reactions on the faces of the people who are on the edges of a scene: totally involved in what is going on, listening all the time, creating a reality that is as complete as can be found on a stage.

"The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" is as entertaining, involving, uplifting and exhilarating bit of theater as could be found. It's a joy to watch, and I, for one, am delighted that it is available on DVD. Go out and buy it today, and spend a weekend in front of your TV, entranced. I did.

After seeing the 2001 adaptation, I said I would see this theatre adaptation, and it was well worth the time and every bit as good as it was touted to be. It is the best adaptation of Dickens' novel easily, there are a few things missing but it is very faithful to the mammoth and somewhat structurally sprawling source material, in detail and in spirit. The costumes and sets are not exactly grand(then again this is a stage adaptation rather than a film or TV series, which would have a different feel), but they do look good and scenes move swiftly and don't interfere with the drama at all. The sound effects are well-incorporated and never do they feel bizarre, while the dialogue is simply terrific, the story cohesive and emotionally impactful and the drama is done to the extent that you don't lose interest. The performances are even better than one could ask for. Roger Rees' Nicholas is outstanding, while the other actors are in multiple roles he plays this single role, this more than makes sense as Nicholas is the biggest role and he is on stage/screen almost the whole time. Emily Richard does a great job making much of a thankless role(if there is anything to criticise Dickens for, it was how he wrote his main female heroines), John Woodvine is a cold conflicted Ralph Nickleby, David Threlfall is astonishingly affecting as Smike and Alun Armstrong's Mr Wackford Squeers is funny and grotesque. In fact everybody play their roles true to character and seem to be having a lot of fun, and without falling into caricature as well. All in all, brilliant, if you love the book or Dickens there is no reason why you shouldn't see this. 10/10 Bethany Cox

This RSC filmed nine hour long stage production is without doubt the most comprehensive, compelling and wonderfully unmissable adaptation of any Dickens novel ever made. If I could give it more than 10 out of 10 I would.

Brilliant stage work, superb acting from every single member of the impressive cast, and good musical direction, and even incorporated audience participation. In short, it had the lot. Even for those unfortunate souls who turn their noses up at the classics this is a must see. It may change their minds.

The maddening thing for me is, that although I have the complete production on audio tape, I have only the last episode on video. I hope to rectify this dire omission in my library a.s.a.p.

I realise that the Royal Shakespeare Company has an ever formidable schedule, but I'm led to wonder why it hasn't tried a similar project with other Dickens novels. Could it be that this one is just unsurpassable?

I first saw this on TV when I was about thirteen or fourteen and I was absolutely rivited to the screen every Monday for weeks. When they repeated it due to popular demand about three months later I was hooked all over again. It is one of the most amazing television experiences of my life. It is simply sublime.

The acting, the dialogue, the action, the sets, everything is wonderful. Nicholas confronting Sqeers is still one of the most thrilling things I have ever seen and could Smikes' death be any sadder?

Roger Rees is the ideal Nicholas, exuding the right amount of boyish naivety and pluck, David Threlfall was a wonderfully sincere Smike, while special mention must go to Edward Petherbridge whose portrayal of Newman Noggs contained the perfect balance of humour and pathos.

All in all I couldn't recommend it more highly. Ten stars at least.

This video of the Royal Shakespeare Company's 8-hour production of Nicholas Nickleby is well worth the time. It's funny, moving, and very Dickensian. There's also a brief look at Victorian productions of Shakespeare (when Nicholas stars as Romeo) which is absolutely hilarious. The actors all do a wonderful job, particularly those playing Nicholas, Kate, and Ralph Nickleby and Smike. This is one of those rare videotaped plays which captures the best of the real production with none of the drawbacks of most taped plays.