Pip Utton is Charles Dickens

Since performing his acclaimed one-man show Adolf in 1997, Pip Utton has brought life to an array of literary and historical characters on stage. In this work, he's set himself the not inconsiderable challenge of resurrecting one of the greatest novelists ever to have lived: Charles Dickens.

Utton’s passionate and energetic portrayal of Dickens is every bit as engaging as the characters contained within his books. It is clear from the outset that Utton has done a significant amount of research for the role. Far from being a sombre Victorian figure, Utton’s Dickens declares his undying love for his mistress and undying loathing for his wife. The figure Utton has created is most definitely grounded in reality and conveys both Dickens' social conscience and his business mind.

Beginning with his death—because in Utton’s own words "we don’t want it hanging over us for the rest of the performance"—he then gives a condensed version of the author’s final 12 years, interspersed with impassioned readings taken from his novels that are performed as if in front of a Victorian audience. Particularly harrowing is the highly charged delivery of the brutal murder of Nancy by Bill Sikes, a scene etched into the mind of anyone familiar with Oliver Twist.

Utton is a charismatic performer who captivates his audience despite some minor slips. At the end of the show, you feel that you have encountered both a literary legend and a talented actor who is more than capable of transforming himself into any character he wishes.