The Doctor Who star is cast alongside Theo James and Helena Bonham Carter. 

Following his adaptation of Oliver Twist last year, Sam Mendes (Spectre) is reteaming with Audible to produce another Dickens’ classic.

For his take on David Copperfield, Mendes has put together a starry line-up with Ncuti Gatwa in the title role. The cast includes Richard Armitage, Helena Bonham Carter, Jessie Buckley, Ralph Ineson, Theo James, Toby Jones, Jack Lowden, Katy Wix and Indira Varma. Plus, newcomer Reece Kenwyne Mpudzi as the young David Copperfield.

The synopsis says:

“We journey with David as he comes across his eccentric Aunt Betsey, the faithful Peggotty and loquacious Mr Micawber, comes up against the villainous Micawbers and Uriah Heep, and falls in love with Little Em’ly, Dora and Agnes.”

“And then there is old school friend James Steerforth, dashing, daring and seductive. This dramatisation explores the complexities and intimacies of that relationship beyond anything possible in Dickens’s day, in an adaptation giving fresh life and vividness to this beloved tale.”

The drama has been recorded in Audible’s London studio, and in the Charles Dickens Museum using high-definition Dolby Atmos sound.

Producer Sam Mendes said:

“I’m thrilled to continue my collaboration with Audible after the success of Oliver Twist and where better to go next than to David Copperfield, which for so many – and indeed for Dickens himself – is a favourite amongst his canon. We have an outstanding cast, led by the incomparable Ncuti Gatwa whose amazing comic timing brings new dimensions to the character of David. In the sound design we’ve leaned into hyper realism so that the listener really feels like they’re on the journey with David through his misfortunes and triumphs. Another feast for the ears.”

David Copperfield is up for pre-order now at Audible, with a release date set for November 30th, 2023.