I was raised on excerpts from the books of Charles Dickens and the characters immediately felt like old acquaintances in this imaginative and energetic production by the newly formed GRAFT Drama Company. I thought I knew a lot about the man, but this docudrama gives a fascinating insight into the life of Charles Dickens, the writer and the man as revealed as his characters are introduced.

The cast of six played a total of 48 characters between them, no mean feat in itself! The pace was fast but well-paced and the use of space drew the audience into the action.

A Dickens of a production in Bradford!

It is difficult to single out any performance in particular: Ken Taylor's Fagin cringed; Irene Lofthouse as Mrs Pipchin gave me the creeps; Jenny Crowther as Mrs Wittitterly was as languid as they come whilst Paul Szulc's Bill Sykes was violent and malevolent. There was spontaneous applause for Mrs Corney and Mr Bumble (Alison Rooks and Colin Lewisohn) as they gave a stupendous performance of greed and cynicism.

Characters were denoted by changes of costumes and accents, all of which worked well, and the energy that went into the slick exits and entrances kept us wondering who was coming next.

It was very refreshing to see many young people at the performance, an indication that drama does have a future. This entertaining and informative production appeals to children of all ages, and well done to Julian Topping and Colin Lewisohn, the writers, and to GRAFT Drama Company for bringing this new piece of work alive!

Tony O'Connell

The production heads next to Lidgett Park Methodist Church Hall, North Park Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds, Thursday 4th August - Saturday 6th August and then to the York Room at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, Thursday 11th August - Saturday 13th August. For Tickets: call 0113 293 3385

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