Edward Stirling's adaptation was the first theatrical version of Martin Chuzzlewit and was the only version that was approved by Dickens. When it was first produced in 1844, it was an immediate success and had a lengthy run at London's Lyceum Theatre. Considered at the time the best of the Chuzzlewit adaptations it would continue to be produced throughout the 19th Century. Edward Stirling was a prolific playwright in the mid-19th century having written or adapted over 200 plays including many from Dickens. He was one of the few playwrights at the time to have his plays produced in nearly every theatre in London. He was hailed as "a writer of considerable attainments." When he wasn't writing, he was stage manager/director of the Adelphia, and later for many years at the Drury Lane Theatre where he had some of his biggest successes.