The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (1982)

EndedScripted showDrama

This Nicholas Nickleby is the Royal Shakespeare Company's epic eight-and-a-half-hour adaptation of the life and times of the eponymous school-teacher. The 1982 production (originally staged in two parts) won worldwide acclaim and was such a success that Britain's then-newest TV station, Channel 4, launched a joint venture with independent production company Primetime to bring Nicholas Nickleby to a television audience. The result is this wonderfully theatrical version, filmed at the Old Vic and starring much of the original stage cast. It manages to stay true to Trevor Nunn's original artistic vision of Dickens's damning incitement of England's educational system. The ensemble cast are superb: Roger Rees as Nicholas is a bright-eyed idealist, every inch the young romantic hero whose principles are often his downfall, but ultimately his salvation; Alun Armstrong's twisted, embittered Squeers is every inch the Dickensian villain; and David Threlfall is transformed as Smike, Squeers' piteously subjugated, crippled servant and gives the most moving performances of his career. This enthralling TV adaptation recreates the magic of the stage version for all those who were unable to catch it on its pitifully short run. It doesn't pull any punches as the humour and inspiring storyline are tempered with real dark and tragic episodes. Forget the Hollywood fluff, this is the version you should watch if you want a faithful retelling of Dickens's story.

Network
Scheduleevery Sunday (55 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E10Act 4, Part 3Dec 23, 1982
S01E09Act 4, Part 2Dec 22, 1982
S01E08Act 4, Part 1Dec 20, 1982
S01E07Act 3, Part 3Dec 19, 1982
S01E06Act 3, Part 2Dec 12, 1982
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Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' premiere?

'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' premiered on March 21, 1982.

Who adapted 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' for television?

David Edgar adapted 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' for television.

Which famous author wrote the original novel on which the show is based?

The original novel 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' was written by Charles Dickens.

Who directed the television adaptation of 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby'?

The television adaptation of 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' was directed by Jim Goddard.

How many episodes were there in the TV series?

'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' consisted of 13 episodes.

Where was 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' filmed?

'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' was filmed in various locations in the United Kingdom.

Who played the role of Nicholas Nickleby in the TV series?

Roger Rees portrayed the character of Nicholas Nickleby in the TV series.

Which actress portrayed the character of Kate Nickleby in the TV series?

Emily Richard portrayed the character of Kate Nickleby in the TV series.

Who played the role of Ralph Nickleby in the TV series?

David Threlfall portrayed the character of Ralph Nickleby in the TV series.

Which actor portrayed the character of Smike in the TV series?

David Dawson portrayed the character of Smike in the TV series.

What genre does 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' fall into?

'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' falls into the genre of period drama.

Did 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' receive any awards?

Yes, 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Drama Series in 1983.

Who composed the music for 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby'?

Stephen Oliver composed the music for 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby'.

Was 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' a popular TV series at the time?

Yes, 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' was well-received and gained a significant audience following.

Did 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' stay true to Charles Dickens' original story?

Yes, 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' stayed true to the essence of Charles Dickens' original story.

What impact did 'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' have on television adaptations of classic literature?

'The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby' set a high standard for television adaptations of classic literature, showcasing the potential for bringing timeless stories to life on the small screen.

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