Literary recognition
A major Dickens title with lasting awareness.
For theatres & programmers
Dickens’ beloved coming-of-age story told with humour, humanity and unforgettable characters.
The production
From a difficult childhood to friendship, love and self-discovery, David’s journey is rich with theatrical incident and emotional truth.
Anne Dalton’s musical celebrates Dickens’ memorable characters while keeping David’s personal story at its heart. Intimate drama and ensemble sequences create a warm theatrical experience.

A compelling proposition
A major Dickens title with lasting awareness.
A gallery of distinctive roles and relationships.
A hopeful story of resilience and belonging.
Strong links to literature and Victorian society.
Company storytelling supports theatrical scale.
Humour and humanity for a broad audience.
The world on stage
The production travels through homes, schools, workplaces and friendships as David learns to author his own future.
Audience development
Cast & community engagement
Its ensemble world supports partnerships with schools, reading groups and local performers around a celebrated literary work.
About the writer
Anne is an award-winning composer, lyricist, director and producer whose work spans decades of musical theatre. Her Benny won the International Quest for New Musicals.
Read Anne’s story →For theatres & presenting partners
Talk to ABD Productions about availability, venue requirements and community casting.
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