By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Lydia Vie
Directed by Anastasia Revi
Playground Theatre, London
15-29 December, 2019
Everyone in this story had great expectations: betterment, revenge, love, fortune, redemption, freedom. It all started with a beautiful young bride, in love, on her wedding day, many years before. The wedding never happened. The clocks stopped at twenty to nine on that ill-fated day at Satis House, and she has a story to tell.
How did the ecstasy of love turn into a pursuit for revenge? Why did Pip, a young orphan, long to be a gentleman? How did a convict find freedom and redemption? How did a beautiful young girl grow up without a heart? How were they all victims of great expectations? Back and forth through the lives of Miss Havisham, Pip and Estella, the mysteries of Satis House are unravelled, and the stories of Dickens’ famous and much loved characters unfold.
Credits
Performers
Miss Havisham Helen Bang
Pip Samuel Lawrence
Estella Denise Moreno
Jaggers David Furlong
Magwitch Peter Rae
Joe Gargery Matthew Wade
Mrs Joe/Molly Fanny Dulin
Herbert Pocket/ Shaun Amos
Compeyson
Creative and Production Team
Directed by Anastasia Revi
Set Design by Eirini Kariori
Costume Design by Eirini Kariori and Vivien Wilson
Lighting Design by Chuma Emembolu
Producer Martina Reynolds
Stage Manager Simon Beyer
Production Assistant Sevi Filipiddou
Production Photography Panayis Chrysovergis
PR Kevin Wilson Public Relations
Press
Anastasia Revi directs with style. It is a much loved story and this production is undeniably handsome, skilfully done and is backed by a fascinating and apt soundtrack of music and sound. Helen Bang is a magnificent Havisham, Denise Moreno is a gorgeous ice maiden as Estella. Peter Rae is nicely sinister Magwitch. This is a daring venture which provides a splendid seasonal night out!
REVIEWS GATE ****
An immensely impressive show: beautifully directed, with a brilliant cast and gorgeous mise en scène.
SPY IN THE STALLS ****
This production of Great Expectations has succeeded in ensuring that this classic text remains accessible to all and brings the story to life through a visual feast for the senses. Theatre Lab are renowned for their visually striking shows and after seeing Great Expectations I can understand why.
MUSICAL THEATRE MUSINGS ****
Director Anastasia Revi has beautifully realised a production that is full of a myriad of intriguingly nuanced performances, She breathes gorgeous life into all the classic characters – Miss Havisham, Pip, Magwitch, Estella, Herbert Pocket, whilst maintaining a fresh vibrancy. She is also working with an ensemble on top form and clearly enjoying the joys of an unquestionably vibrant creative process and team. Samuel Lawrence’s portrayal of Pip is riveting to watch. His relentless dynamism is quite astounding, as his performance swings from full-on physicality to heart-felt, real emotion. Peter Rae’s Magwitch is gutsy and credible, while Shaun Amos is merrily cheerful and adds blissful happiness to his characterisation.
LONDON LIVING LARGE ****
This is a beautifully presented show with some first class actors. Peter Rae is the sinister Magwitch, David Furlong is the lawyer, Jaggers. The lovely and loving Joe is played with great sympathy by Matthew Wade and Fanny Dulin is just the opposite as Mrs Joe. She also plays Molly in the later scenes. Anastasia Revi has directed with a keen knowledge and love of the material. This adaptation by Lydia Vie is very cleverly based on the David Lean movie. Congratulations to the Theatre Lab Company and to Anthony Biggs of the Playground Theatre.
AW THEATRICAL ****
Director Anastasia Revi has beautifully realised a production that is full of a myriad of intriguingly nuanced performances, She breathes gorgeous life into all the classic characters – Miss Havisham, Pip, Magwitch, Estella, Herbert Pocket, whilst maintaining a fresh vibrancy. She is also working with an ensemble on top form and clearly enjoying the joys of an unquestionably vibrant creative process and team.
THE REVIEW CHAP ****
It’s a truly impressive portrayal and a real highlight of the show, well-acted, aesthetically pleasing production that is guaranteed to engross and entertain.
THE UPCOMING ***
Theatre Lab Productions always creates a powerful image and Miss Havisham among her wedding feast will stay with me. This adaptation of Charles Dickens’s novel looks like a Christmas decoration for the Playground Theatre. Splendidly atmospheric.”
BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE
