Hilarious Charles Dickens mash-up Bleak Expectations has revealed more stars to be added to its revolving roster of weekly star turns, ahead of the show opening in the West End this spring 2023.
Each week a special guest will star in the role of the narrator, Sir Philip (“Pip”) Bin, in the show.
New stars announced today include Julian Clary, Dermot O’Leary, Sally Philips and Nina Wadia.
Stars already confirmed include Tom Allen, Adjoa Andoh, Alexander Armstrong, Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Stephen Fry, Nish Kumar, Lee Mack, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miller and Sue Perkins.
The dates of which star will play which week has also bee revealed:
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
This hilarious, high-octane show is written by Mark Evans and directed by Caroline Leslie, based on the hit BBC Radio 4 comedy.
Bleak Expectations follows young 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!
Also in the creative team of the show are Designer Katie Lias, Lighting Designer Andrew Exeter, Sound Designer Ella Wahlström, and Casting Director Lucy Jenkins and Sooki McShan.
Julian Clary said: “Such a thrill to be giving my Sir Pip Bin in BLEAK EXPECTATIONS. It is a challenging role and I look forward to being stretched as never before.”
Dermot O’Leary said: “I’m thrilled, excited, nervous, (all those wonderful sensations) can’t wait for a week of Dickensian silliness.”
Sally Philips said: “What larks we’ll have, Pip, what larks we’ll have.”
Bleak Expectations runs at the Criterion Theatre from 3 May 2023, to 3 September 2023.
Book tickets to Bleak Expectations at the Criterion Theatre in London
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