Currently, Eddy Payne is starring as David Copperfield at Jermyn Street Theatre in the Guildford Shakespeare Company production of David Copperfield, working with Luke Barton and Louise Beresford, who both multi-role as numerous characters, and the Charles Dickens adaptation runs until Saturday 20th December. Eddy has worked with Guildford Shakespeare Company previously in shows such as Macbeth (in which he played Macbeth) and Richard II (in which he played Melgray/Henry Percy), both at the Orange Tree Theatre, and Romeo and Juliet, playing Mercutio at Reading Rep. Further work for Eddy include playing Cat in Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio at The Watermill Theatre. Answering our questions, Eddy talks about playing David Copperfield at Jermyn Street Theatre in David Copperfield, being in the cast of Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and Richard II, and his time as Cat in Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio.

Can you tell us about David Copperfield, which is currently open at Jermyn Street Theatre until Saturday 20th December, and what it is like being part of an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ work?

A fun, fast-paced, eccentric telling of an epic ‘coming of age’ story… but keeping all the reverential tones of the original. It’s really exciting to bring such a rich tale to life with just three actors. Dickens creates such vivid characters that stay with you. Hopefully we can do the same with this adaptation.

How familiar were you with David Copperfield before booking your role and how has it been reading the script for the new three-actor adaptation?

I read the novel before the script. All the way through I was thinking, how is this going to work with three people playing over 20 characters? Well, it does. Sarah (Gobran), Matt (Pinches) and Abigail (Pickard Price) have done an amazing job adapting the story but keeping the heart of the original.

What is it like taking on the lead role of David Copperfield?

It’s lovely to play a character that grows up with the story as it’s being told. To start from the beginning of a life and move through events that are so relatable (and things that are not so) to a modern-day audience. David narrates his own story so to connect directly to audiences is an exciting convention.

What has it been like working so far with Luke Barton and Louise Beresford, who both multi-role as numerous characters, and being directed by Abigail Pickard Price?

Horrendous! No, they are all fantastic! Watching Luke and Louise running about and changing characters so effortlessly has been a lovely thing to watch. Abigail leads such an open and playful room. This piece is a real puzzle and we have all felt so secure in her hands.

How does it feel to be returning to work with Guildford Shakespeare Company, having worked with them on shows such as Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and Richard II?

They are such a generous company with the biggest of hearts. They put people first, which is the most important thing for me in this industry. The whole team are top-notch at what they do and I’m very lucky to be back working with them.

Can you tell us about your time as Macbeth in Macbeth, Mowbray/Henry Percy in Richard II (both at Orange Tree Theatre) and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet (at Reading Rep) all in 2023?

Every one of these experiences were unique in their own way and taught me a lot. Although, I did meet my fiancée on Richard ll, so that one takes a special place on the list.

What was it like playing Cat in Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio at The Watermill Theatre for their 2024 festive show?

Joyful. The Watermill used to be my local theatre. I used to serve pints to the actors at the pub next door when at school. To come back to it in a professional capacity was a real full circle moment. And to work on an original Morpurgo show was a privilege.

How did you get into acting and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?

I played the ‘wicked uncle’ in a version of Aladdin in primary school. My mum kept banging on about it and sent me to a Saturday stage school. I just remember being really excited to go. I took a year at a theatre college and auditioned for drama schools. I think you look at the industry with rose-tinted glasses when growing up but the reality of a career only sets in after a few jobs.

What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?

My partner is far more successful than me so most of the shows she is in to be honest…