Great Expectations
Vaudeville Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 14th February 2013
Reviewed on Thursday 14th February 2013
"Graham McLaren's production brings some of the most memorable characters ever created to life. The beautiful, chilling Estella, the terrifying convict Magwitch, the manipulative Jaggers, the tragic and mysterious Miss Havisham and Pip looking back on his young self - a boy with 'great expectations'."
Great Expectations is an intriguing play full of mystery. However the production feels very rushed and many moments have been completely cut, which left me feeling very disappointed and slightly underwhelmed. As the curtain rises we are greeted with the sight of Robin Peoples' incredible set. This production is quite a spectacle.
The use of Adult Pip was interesting, he acts as the Narrator throughout most of the play and it was fascinating to watch Paul Nivison's portrayal, it was as if he was reliving his entire life. Taylor Jay-Davies was good as Young Pip although at times I felt he was holding back too much. Paula Wilcox is perfectly cast as Miss Havisham. Graham McLaren's direction is clever, Miss Havisham is on stage throughout most of the show but I would forget she was there until she suddenly came to life.
It would be impossible to include everything in the book and film in the stage adaptation. Perhaps a little more should have been cut as so many key moments were rushed which became very frustrating. For this reason I fear people who are unfamiliar with the book and film would struggle to follow the story and not pick up on all of the marvellous twists! Great Expectations is filled with the most amazing 'oooh' and 'ahhhh' moments.
Great Expectations runs at the Vaudeville Theatre until 1st June 2013. Click here for tickets.
Special Offer: Top price seats reduced to £34.50 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday performances until 14th March 2013. While stocks last. Click here to book.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
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