A riotously funny, high-octane stage adaptation of the hit BBC Radio 4 series by Mark Evans.
Bleak Expectations is the story that Charles Dickens might have written after drinking too much gin. And, crucially, had lived for another 152 years! Two-time winner of the Best Radio Sitcom award and winner of a Sony Award, Bleak Expectations has captivated audiences and critics alike since its 2007 debut.
Follow the hilarious misadventures of the young Pip Bin – tragic half orphan, hopeless romantic and would-be-hero – as this glorious Victorian mash-up arrives at the Criterion Theatre for a limited season from the 3 May.
And each week a special star guest will play the narrator, Sir Philip (“Pip”) Bin – including Tom Allen, Adjoa Andoh, Alexander Armstrong, Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Stephen Fry, Nish Kumar, Lee Mack, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miller, Sue Perkins, Julian Clary, Dermot O’Leary, Sally Philips and Nina Wadia (see dates of stars, below).
Bleak Expectations will play the Criterion Theatre in London from 3 May to 3 September 2023.
Dates of star performers
3- 7 May: Nina Wadia 9-14 May: Dermot O’Leary 16-21 May: Sally Philips 30 May – 4 June: Sue Perkins 6-11 June: Julian Clary 13-18 June: Adjoa Andoh 27 June – 2 July: Lee Mack 4-9 July: Stephen Mangan 11-16 July: Jo Brand 18-23 July: Tom Allen 25-30 July: Jack Dee 1-6 August: Alexander Armstrong 8-13 August: Stephen Fry 15-20 August: Ben Miller 29 August – 3 September: Nish Kumar
What's the story of Bleak Expectations?
Follow Pip’s extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy plus best friend Harry Biscuit as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings, and deflect disaster at every turn!
Will evil be vanquished by virtue? Can love triumph over hate? Escape with this joyfully anarchic comedy featuring barbarous boarding schools, contemptible conspiracies, roaring romances, devilish disguises, and definitely, probably, hopefully, a happy ending!
Who is in the cast of Bleak Expectations?
Each week a special star guest will play the narrator, Sir Philip (“Pip”) Bin – including Tom Allen, Adjoa Andoh, Alexander Armstrong, Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Stephen Fry, Nish Kumar, Lee Mack, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miller, Sue Perkins, Julian Clary, Dermot O’Leary, Sally Philips and Nina Wadia.
Who are the creative team of Bleak Expectations?
Written by Mark Evans. Directed by Caroline Leslie with design by Katie Lias, lighting design by Andrew Exeter and sound design by Ella Wahlström. Casting directors are Lucy Jenkins and Sooki McShan.
Reviews of Bleak Expectations
“ZINGS WITH INTELLIGENCE, IMAGINATION & OODLES OF SILLINESS” - THE GUARDIAN (Watermill Theatre) “CHEEK-ACHINGLY FUNNY” BROADWAY WORLD (Watermill Theatre) “COMEDIC DICKENS MASH-UP TRIUMPHANTLY MAKES THE TRANSITION FROM RADIO TO STAGE” WHATSONSTAGE (Watermill Theatre)
Performance information is for guidance only. Check booking calendar for details.
Show Videos
Important Notes
Content Warning: This performances uses prop guns and contains loud noises, haze and at points flashes of light.
Casting: The producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist at any performance, as this is subject to a variety of factors including illness, injury, or events beyond the producers’ control. No refunds or exchanges will be offered as a result of an artist’s unavailability to perform at any performance.
Official London Theatre tickets for Bleak Expectations at the Criterion Theatre, London
Book tickets to Bleak Expectations at the Criterion Theatre with WestendTheatre.com. You will be purchasing official London theatre tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.
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