Bleak Expectations

BLEAK EXPECTATIONS by Mark Evans, is a comedy inspired by the BBC Radio 4 play of the same name. It’s a parody of a Charles Dickens’ story with all the familiar themes: orphans, wicked guardians, poverty, ridiculous names, villains, death scenes and every preposterous plot twist you can imagine. Sir Philip Bin narrates the story of his early life from the side of the stage.

The set was excellent and well designed so as to be used for multiple scenarious.   It was wood panelled with a staircase leading off to the right. Some scenes changes were done quickly with the addition of wooden bench seats replicating a court room or a church. Due to the complicated and sometimes unbelievable plot twists, some of the props were very funny, including a flat hand and a flat puppy! There was also a three barrelled rifle, a mobile of cups and teapots, an anvil, large pipe and who could forget the sourdough sword.  I loved the tomb stone bearing the name Dr Acula, a quill pen, piles of rubbish and the London sign which appeared briefly. Congratulations to all the prop makers and those who sourced them. 

There were a lot of costumes! Each cast member was dressed for their role(s) and these ranged from dresses, breeches, priest's uniform to teacher’s gown and the occasional white evening glove. All were in keeping with the story and a good amount of detail had gone into the little touches that made this production so successful.   There were a few wigs, hairpieces and well applied make up.

As soon as the narrator, Sir Philip Bin, took his seat at the side of the stage and the curtain was raised, we knew we were in for a good time. After the amusing introduction, there then followed the story of riches to rags which was stuffed full of innuendos, paradoy, wordplay and puns, visual and verbal gags.  The performances were almost panto style inasmuch as at times the story made no sense.  There were references to what makes a man “Pretending to like whiskey” and “Pacing without showing emotion” being my two favourites.   There were strong performances from everyone but Rob Bailey as Harry Biscuits trying to recussitate a dying swam will stay in my mind for a long time!   There was clever use of lighting, feathers exploding from above and a screen through which the ghost of Thomas Bin appeared as he fell off a cliff to be eaten by feral penguines which led to the unforgettable line “It was the worst of times”.  There was great chemistry in the company and the energy was tremendous.  Directed by Paul ‘Golly’ Robinson, this was an evening of adult humour, unforgettable ridiculousness and old fashioned good fun.

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