David Copperfield (BBC Drama, Ciarán McMenamin Daniel Radcliffe)

Period drama serial telling the story of young orphan boy David Copperfield (Daniel Radcliffe) grows up to become an idealistic teacher (played by Ciarán McMenamin once an adult) and becomes romantically involved with two women, Dora (Joanna Page) and also Emily (Aislin McGuckin) who is promised to another.

Featuring a pre Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe as the young David in part one Copperfield is positively jam packed with quality British acting talent from renowned names like Trevor Eve, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith to comedy names like Nicholas Lyndhurst, Dawn French and the fantastic Paul Whitehouse.

The cast do make it extra special and mention must be made of Bob Hoskins’ magnificent Mr Micawber, the stuff of legend – slightly over the top but oh so perfect; Nicholas Lyndhurst also does very well playing against type as the sinister Uriah Heep. An effortless production that is just a veritable Dickensian feast.

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe as Young David; Ciarán McMenamin as David Copperfield; Emilia Fox as Clara; Pauline Quirke as Peggotty; Michael Elphick as Barkis; Trevor Eve as Mr Murdstone; Zoë Wanamaker as Miss Murdstone; Ian McKellen as Creakle; Bob Hoskins as Mr Micawber; Dawn French as Mrs Crupp; Joanna Page as Dora Spenlow; Clare Wilkie as Julia Mills; James Grout as Mr Spenlow; Amanda Ryan as Agnes Wickfield; Nicholas Lyndhurst as Uriah Heep; Oliver Milburn as Steerforth; Edward Hughes as Steerforth’s Friend; Colin Farrell as Milkman; Imelda Staunton as Mrs Micawber; Cherie Lunghi as Mrs Steerforth; Clare Holman as Rosa Dartle; Kenneth MacDonald as Littimer; James Thornton as Ham Peggotty; Alun Armstrong as Dan Peggotty; Patsy Byrne as Mrs Gummidge; Aislin McGuckin as Emily; Maggie Smith as Betsey Trotwood; Ian McNeice as Mr Dick; Oliver Ford Davies as Mr Wickfield; Thelma Barlow as Mrs Heep; Richard Howard as Doctor; Chris Sugden as Fisherman; David Maybrick as Officer; Tom Wilkinson as Narrator

Writer: Adrian Hodges / Novel: Charles Dickens / Costume: Mike O’Neill / Producer: Kate Harwood / Director: Simon Curtis

UK / BBC One / 2×90 minute episodes / Broadcast Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 December 1999