Bleak Expectations

Harlequin Players Club were back on stage with their production of ‘Bleak Expectations’, which was directed by Ben Brunsdon. Adapted from the successful BBC Radio 4 series, this was a treat for any fans of Dickens, with wordplay and parody aplenty. The set looked very good and was fit for purpose. It was a static set with a door stage left and stage right, a central entrance, and the linen cupboard downstage right. A chair and side table was set downstage left for Pip to narrate from. The rest of the set was made up with a couple of chairs and tables, used throughout to create different locations. Turning the chairs around and having the backs of them as the gravestones was very clever, and worked well. The cast were responsible for moving the furniture to create the different locations, which they did with ease. The direction from Ben was good, and there were clearly defined characters. The comedy was good, with some good comic interactions, such as the introduction of the Bin children. The pace was generally good, with some moments needed to be a bit snappier to really draw the comedy out. Costumes were good and suited the characters. On the most part, they suited the time period.

Technical elements were generally good throughout. Sound effects were good and cued well. The sound balance was good, and didn’t overpower the performers on stage. There were a few issues with the lighting with them being cued too late.

Adrian Grace played the narrator of the piece, Pip Bin, who was looking back and retelling his life. Adrian had a good command of the stage, and his diction and vocal clarity was top notch. When not narrating to the audience, Adrian’s focus was on the performers telling his story. He was totally invested in the story being told.

Playing the Young Pip Bin was Meg Billing. Meg was very good in this role. The delivery of lines was strong, and played fully for comic effect. The knowing looks to the audience added to the comedy. Meg’s interactions with the rest of the cast were very good and totally believable. She played the hero of the production very well.

Miranda Chance took on both Poppy Bin and Ripely. Miranda did well as Poppy, but really came into her own as Ripely. Miranda’s comic timing was spot on, whether it was as Ripely with the paper bag on her head, or the letters back and forth with Young Pip. This was a good supporting performance.

Liv Deakin played the youngest Bin child, Pippa. This was a secure and mature performance from Liv. She was active in her scenes, and was completely present in the action. Liv’s vocal clarity and diction were very good throughout. This was a pleasing performance from Liv.

Rachel Perrin appeared throughout in a variety of roles, impressing as Mrs Bin. This was a great comedy role that Rachel really sunk her teeth into. Rachel wasn’t afraid of looking the fool, and this worked very well for her. Her commitment to all her characters was second to none.

Adam Wade was a strong member of the cast, playing the entire Hardthrasher family. Similar to Rachel, Adam threw himself into these roles and it paid dividends in terms of the comedy. The courtroom scene was fast with Adam playing the judge and all the jury members, creating a very funny moment.

Trevor Stubbs did well as Thomas Bin and Bakewell. Trevor could have had a more natural delivery of lines, but he did well with both these parts. The repeated joke of Thomas Bin bumping into the set was delivered well by Trevor. He managed to get across the mysterious nature of Bakewell well, revealing himself as Pip’s beneficiary.

Gabriel Brammer played both Harry Biscuits and Skinflint Parsimonious. Gabriel appeared a little bit tentative with lines as Skinflint (well covered by Liv), but hit their stride as Harry Biscuits, Pip’s best friend. Gabriel was kind and jovial as Harry, just as he should be.

As well as directing, Ben Brunsdon took on the role of Gently Benevolent. Ben looked like he was relishing playing this villainous role. Played with a melodramatic flair, Ben was good in this role. Ben displayed a good command of the stage, appearing in various guises throughout.

Overall, this was a good production. There were some good performances, the comedy was good throughout, and the direction was secure.

Thank you to Harlequin Players Club for their kind invitation.

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