Nell Trent is a young orphan girl who lives with her devoted grandfather in his London shop, a place full of old and curious treasures. He is keen to ensure that they live in peace and prosperity but turns to gambling in a misguided effort to make money. He has little luck and becomes heavily indebted to the moneylender Daniel Quilp who seizes the shop as payment, forcing Little Nell and her grandfather to flee across the country.

While on the run the pair meet and fall in with a succession of colourful characters, some fabulous and some grotesque. There is Mrs Jarley the jovial owner of the waxworks, the clever but easily led Dick Swiveller, the inquisitive ‘marchioness’ and Quilp himself. Some say that Quilp is Dickens’ most evil creation, out-villaining Oliver Twist’s Bill Sykes – you will have to decide for yourself. Of course, what brings succeeding generations to the books of Charles Dickens is his handling of the English language in all its varieties. We have endeavoured to keep as much of his original language in this adaptation as possible for you to relish. As well as high Victorian drama there is laughter - even Punch and Judy put in an appearance.

This, Charles Dickens’ fourth novel, was originally released in instalments between 1840 and 1841. So great was the interest it aroused that New York readers, keen to find out how the story unfolded, caused near riots on the dockside when the ship bearing the final episode arrived. Find out for yourself what happens as you follow the adventures of Little Nell and her grandfather on stage this January, in Bernard Fox’s brand new adaptation.

Tickets available below, from venue box offices and on the door.