Dodger Treads the Boards: The Continuing Adventures of Jack Dawkins (1832 – 1834)

By David Weston

Dodger Treads the Boards is a meticulously-researched and inventive novel in which Jack Dawkins, aka the Artful Dodger of Oliver Twist, becomes the servant of Ira Aldridge, the first black actor to play Othello.

Drawing on his own extensive theatrical experience, author David Weston blends historical figures with favourite Dickensian characters to tell the story of Aldridge’s appearances at Covent Garden. Dickens, Macready, Thackeray, Browning and even a young Victoria make their entrance, along with Newman Noggs, Inspector Bucket, Vincent Crummles and the Infant Phenomenon – and even the ghost of Fagin.

Stretching from London to Russia and back again, meeting Pushkin on the way, the story is told with energy, excitement and Weston’s inimitable humour and is a wonderful sequel to Dodger Down Under.