Bleak Expectations will end its West End run at the Criterion Theatre early, it has been announced.
The show will have a final performance on 13 August 2023, three weeks earlier than the previously scheduled 3 September.
Despite receiving positive reviews the show has struggled to find a West End audience. Billed as a hilarious, high-octane show, Bleak Expectations is based on the hit BBC Radio 4 comedy. The show is written by Mark Evans and directed by Caroline Leslie .
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!
Each week Bleak Expectations features a special guest to star in the role of the narrator, Sir Philip (“Pip”) Bin, in the show.
So far the guest performers have included: Nina Wadia, Dermot O’Leary, Sally Phillips, Robert Lindsay, Sue Perkins, Julian Clary and Adjoa Andoh.
Guest performers still to feature in the run include: Craig Ferguson (20-25 June), Lee Mack (27 June – 2 July), Stephen Mangan (4-9 July), Jo Brand (11-16 July), Tom Allen (18-23 July); Jack Dee (25-30 July), Alexander Armstrong 1-6 August) and Stephen Fry (8-13 August).
The performances featuring Ben Miller (15-20 August) and Nish Kumar (29 August – 3 September) have been cancelled.
Bleak Expectations runs at the Criterion Theatre 13 August 2023.
Book tickets to Bleak Expectations at the Criterion Theatre in London
