Nicholas Nickleby: A Farce in 2 Acts

This stage adaptation of Dickens’ novel debuted in November of 1838 at the Adelphi Theater in London. Only eight installments of the story had been published at that time, therefore several characters such as the theatrical Crummles family who play an important part in the latter half of the text do not appear in this work. The ending of this adaptation is also wholly a creation of playwright Edward Stirling, not novelist Dickens. Charles Dickens attended a performance of the play which starred comedienne Mary Keeley in the role of Smike. Despite his usual stern disapproval of unauthorized versions of his works, Dickens is said to have thoroughly the enjoyed performances and Stirling’s take on “Nickleby.” (Summary by Kelly Taylor)

Cast List:

Nicholas Nickleby ToddHW

Ralph Nickleby Tomas Peter

Newman Noggs Adrian Stephens

Mantellini Algy Pug

Squeers Alan Mapstone

Scaley Rob Marland

Smike Jake Malizia

Lord Verisopht Greg Giordano

John Browdie Andrew Latheron Wendy Katz Hiller

Kate Nickleby Jenn Broda

Madame Mantilini Matea Bracic

Miss Knagg TJ Burns

Miss Squeers Michele Eaton

Miss Price Lynette Caulkins

Mrs. Squeers mleigh

Waiter David Purdy

Servant James R. Hedrick

Guard Jim Locke

Boys Joanna Michal Hoyt

Girls Bethany Baldwin

Stage Directions Kelly S. Taylor