Great Expectations - a ★★★★ seriously stylish classic!

☆★★★★ Great Expectations

As you enter the Playground theatre, it is evident that Theatre Lab Company’s production of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations is a seriously stylish production. You are greeted by an intricate, visually fascinating tableau beautifully designed by Eirini Kariori, with motionless actors in equally striking costumes by Kariori and Vivien Wilson. The unquestionable figure of Miss Havisham resplendent in the centre of the table in all her dusty glory and haughty grandeur.

Adroitly adapted by Lydia Vie who has skilfully created a pacy telling of the Dickens’ classic. A story of  ‘betterment, revenge, love, fortune, redemption, freedom, that 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’.

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.

Helen Bang as Miss Havisham is gloriously sublime as the arch manipulator and architect of so much pain and heartache. 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.

But without doubt this is an ensemble on top form and is a production that is perfect for the festive season. If you are looking for a panto alternative, look no further than this joyous and elegantly creative reimaging of this Charles Dickens’ classic. 

GREAT EXPECTATIONS
by Charles Dickens

Cast: Helen Bang (Miss Havisham), Samuel Lawrence (Pip), Denise Moreno (Estella), David Furlong (Jaggers), Peter Rae (Magwitch), Matthew Wade (Joe Gargery), Fanny Dulin (Mrs Joe/Molly), Shaun Amos (Herbert Pocket).

Director: Anastasia Revi, Adapted by: Lydia Vie, Set Design: Eirini Kariori, Costume Design: Eirini Kariori and Vivien Wilson, Lighting Design: Chuma Emembolu, Producer: Martina Reynolds,. Stage Manager: Simon Beyer, Production Assistant: Sevi Filipiddou

The Playground Theatre,
Latimer Road,
London,
W10 6RQ
15 - 29 December 2019

Performances: nightly at 7.30pm,
18, 21 & 28 December 2.30pm
Running Time:
2 hours including interval
Tickets: £23 (£18 concessions)
Box Office: 020 8960 0110

Online:
https://theplaygroundtheatre.london/events/great-expectations/

Nearest stations:
White City and Latimer Road