TRANSPLANTING a Charles Dickens novel to the stage is not a task for the faint-hearted, but one these talented young actors pulled off with style and ease.

At its simplest it’s a tale of good triumphing over evil, following our protagonist from birth through many trials and tribulations of Victorian Britain.

Two actors rose to the occasion, portraying the young hero as he passed through classroom, workhouse and posh school.

Unsavoury characters try to blight David’s way, offset by the positive influences of kindly Peggotty and early feminist, Aunt Copperfield.

King of the creeps, humble clerk Uriah Heap, was superbly underhand and snivelling, but if anyone stole the show, it was bumbling Mr Macawber – the right mix of pomposity, humour and moral fibre.

The simple crates and sails set was perfect in not detracting from the acting, and only one sea-rescue scene relied on special effects.

The cast used haunting hymns of grief, love songs and sea shanties to add atmosphere, and David’s famed storytelling, which could have been dry on stage, brought Sinbad and Ali Baba splendidly to life. This was a tremendous interpretation, giving the small, versatile cast a chance to shine, and moving the audience to laughter as well as tears.