The children try to persuade Micawber to allow them to go to the circus in the park. The boot mender, the coalman and the grocer attempt to track down Micawber and retrieve the debt that he owes. Ruth seeks to adopt little Alice, age 5. Micawber gets arrested. Two Americans arrive, looking to see women taking their clothes off and gambling, and ending up thinking that they will get to kill an English bear.

• Martin Wimbush