Great Expectations

What perfect timing for Frodsham Players to produce their version of Great Expectations the same week as Steven Knight’s adaptation started on BBC One! This adaptation was directed, written and produced by Yvette Owen. Transporting the story to the 1920s and incorporating modern songs throughout the production was an exciting concept. The staging was good, using both the stage and some of the floor space. The main stage was used for Miss Havisham’s house. The set for Miss Havisham’s house was very good, looking unkempt and unloved. The level of attention to detail was outstanding. Scenes flowed well, and on the whole the pace was good. The only downside of having a big cast is getting them on and off quickly and quietly. There were occasions when there was a traffic jam of cast members exiting the stage. The cast were well drilled with what they were doing, with acting, singing and setting scenes. Projection from all cast was good, and everything could be heard.

 

The play used music throughout, including a band and choir, helping to pinpoint key moments of the story. The choice of songs was good with the choir performing them well. Well done to Lesley Halsall (Musical Director) for her work, and the four piece band (Steve Lincoln, Matt Parry, Harper Oldale and Craig Williams) for your contribution.

 

Sound (Andy Walker) and lighting (Greg Herriott) was a highlight of this production. The soundscape used throughout was really good, adding to the atmosphere. The sound balance was really good. All areas of the stage were lit appropriately throughout.

 

Dan Aynsley as Pip was good. Dan was able to show the change in Pip, from a Yorkshire lad to a refined gentleman with change of accent, voice and posture. Dan had an excellent relationship with the rest of the cast, with great projection.

 

Sadie Dixon portrayed Estella very well. The subtle change throughout as Estella grows in confidence to stand up for herself was really good. The love/hate relationship between Estella and Pip was believable.

 

Miss Havisham was played by Carole Shinkfield. Carole played this famous role well, showing strength in her intentions, but also the frailty of Miss Havisham. A wonderful interpretation.

 

David Leslie provided some light relief as Mr Jaggers. With great diction and projection, David was a great asset to this production.

 

Jac Wardle played Joe, Pip’s uncle. Jac was able to showcase Joe’s warmth and love for Pip. This was a nicely pitched performance.

 

Tom Campbell as Herbet provided a youthful interpretation. He had a great rapport with Dan and Felicity, and showed that he really cared for them both.

 

Stuart McNeil played Magwitch. Appearing at the beginning and near the end of the play, this role proved to be a pivotal character in Pip’s life. Stuart played the role with necessary menace to start, and played the final moments very well.

 

Bentley was played by David Varley. David played this part really well, drawing gasps from the audience at Bentley’s treatment towards Estella. A convincing performance.

 

Steve Lincoln as Mr Wemmick provided good support, building a great rapport with the cast. His diction was very good.

 

Martina Keith-Stewart as Lizzie, Pip’s aunt, was suitably good, providing a no nonsense, brash interpretation.

 

Felicity Parry was very good as Clara. She lit up every scene she was in, with a fizzy personality, and excellent diction.

 

Joseph Tomlinso as Young Pip was excellent. The Yorkshire accent was sustained throughout. Joseph had a sweet innocence about him, which made the audience root for Pip straight away.

 

Chloe Hardwick as Young Estella was equally as good, providing the audience with a stone-faced Estella, obviously moulded by Miss Havisham. A hard role to play, but executed very well.

 

Isaac Bright as Young Herbert provided some great comedy in his cameo role. It was a shame that his hat was covering his face, but it did not impact his performance.

 

Tony Boyd-Williams narrated the play as Old Pip. He had a clear voice and excellent diction throughout. The final moments of the play brought an emotional ending, as Tony was joined on stage by his off stage wife, Glenda, as Old Estella. A very touching moment.

 

Gary Jones, Hilary Sanders, Mike Howard and Glenda Boyd-Williams all provided good support in their cameo roles.

 

Overall, this production was good. Some great performances, good singing and some excellent staging – well done all!

 

Thank you for your kind invite, and all the best with your next production, The Comedy of Errors, in June.

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