Theatre

Great Expectations The Play Review

Great Expectations
Vaudeville Theatre, London

1 February – 1 June 2013

www.greatexpectationstheplay.com

Reviewed by Cora Leslie

The Vaudeville theatre is the perfect setting to see Great Expectations. Built in 1870, the year of Dickens death, it immediately sets the scene for an evening of Dickensian story telling.

Adapted for the theatre by Jo Clifford, Great Expectations captures you from the moment the curtain rises. The stage is perfectly set for Pip to relive his life and take us through his journey from poor orphan to where he is in his present situation. Did his life live up to all that was expected by his family from the day he was summoned by the rich but seemingly heartless Miss Havisham? Unaware that his terrifying meeting with escaped convict Magwitch would have such implications for him, Pip moves through his live making decisions that affect all his relationships based on a misconception from his youth.

For fans of Dickens this play is a must: it is evocative and poignant. The actors have been perfectly cast and the audience are transported back to the 19th century, traveling with Pip as he relives the significant events of his live. For anyone who has not read the book it is easy to follow and manages the seemingly impossible task of condensing a Dickens classic into a stage play.

There are no annoying scenery changes and the whole story is expertly told using the occasional prop and movement of actors from the forefront to disappearing into the background.

The cast included some actors we recognized and some we didn't, all were convincing in their roles. We were particularly impressed by Chris Ellison’s portrayal of Magwitch and by James Vaughan who played Wopsle/Wemmick.

The show lasts approximately 2 hours excluding the interval and is a thoroughly good evening’s entertainment.

Rating: 5/5

For more information or to book tickets:
Vaudeville Theatre
404 Strand
City of London
WC2R 0NH
Box Office: 0844 412 4663
www.greatexpectationstheplay.com


Paula Wilcox – ©Jaap Buitendijk

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