Great Expectations

St James Players kindly invited me to review their production of ‘Great Expectations,’ by Charles Dickens. This classical novel, adapted into a stage play, follows the story of Pip, an orphaned, blacksmith’s apprentice. A chance encounter with an escaped convict; Magwitch, and Pip’s benevolent treatment towards him, unbeknownst to all, seals Pip’s fate. Meanwhile, Pip is required to provide company for the elderly spinster, Miss Havisham, and her ward, Estella. They proceed to treat him, and indeed all males with contempt. When Pip discovers he has a secret benefactor, he leaves his old life behind to become a gentleman. In London, he discovers that being a gentleman is far removed from his idealised notions. Added to which, he finds out that his benefactor is not Miss Havisham but the old convict Magwitch. Pip decides he no longer wants to become a gentleman and returns home to his family and a remorseful, Estella, whom he has loved unconditionally throughout.

Producer and Director, Adam G Smith created a slick, well rehearsed show. The cast were strong players, the crew unobtrusive and coordinated. I particularly liked the positioning of the narrators, to the side of the stage, under a lamppost, watching the story unfold, adding snippets of information that moved the plot forward and covered scene changes. The ethereal Miss Havisham floating through the audience was a great touch, people visibly jumped in their seats as she passed by. The pacing of the show was excellent, the story moved succinctly from one scene to the next. Adam, along with Ant Wilson and Sharon Bird, provided the scenery. We saw the interior of the blacksmith’s house; a small kitchen dominated by a large fireplace and mantle, and dank, dark moors where Pip met Magwitch, to name but a few. I loved the gothic lounge of Satis House where Miss Havisham lived out her existence, the wallpaper peeling, cobwebs adorning every available surface. Production Manager, Lydia Elsden along with her stage crew, Rachel Cooper, Mac McCormack, and Jenny Harbottle, moved stealthily behind the scenes. Changes occurred quickly and quietly in a well-oiled team effort.    Props, by Sharon Bird dressed the sets, and gave gravitas to Satis House with era suitable ornaments, which looked great under the lights. The rancid wedding cake sat on a table, the whole room a shabby mess. Lighting by Dylan Couperthwaite was fabulous, adding to the sinister feel to the moors, the graveyard, and of course Satis house. With tight spotlights and great timing Dylan provided atmospheric lighting throughout. The sound was operated by Mark Couperthwaite and was clear, each actor projected their voices, and the audience could hear everything. Sound effects were timely, there was no feedback or microphone dropouts. The cast looked great in their costumes, provided by Lilian Eastham. I particularly liked the progression of Pip’s outfits as he grew from orphan to gentleman. He changed costume frequently as the time passed, each outfit gaining elegance. Estella wore beautiful period dresses whilst the street urchins wore rags. Each actor looked wonderful in their costumes. The collective input from all departments was fabulous, Adam had obviously collaborated with all his backstage team to bring the audience a slick show.

As the story began, we met Young Pip played by Alfie Wilson. Alfie was great in this role, he had lots of dialogue which he delivered with confidence and clarity. He was animated, with great facial expressions that made the audience chuckle. He displayed a variety of emotions, effortlessly solidifying his character, his narration was clear and flowing. An impressive performance from Alfie.

Playing the role of Pip; the man, was Ethan Banks. Ethan was fabulous as the constantly evolving Pip, delivering long pieces of dialogue with ease. He was the main narrator, moving the story forward and giving the audience an insight into his thoughts and feelings. Ethan gave a memorable performance; he was emotive and animated, confident with a great stage presence.

The role of Miss Havisham was played by Donna Keller. Donna was fantastic in this role. I thought her introduction was inspired. In her grotty lounge, she had disguised herself as a chair, her wedding dress easily mistaken for a dust sheet. As she moved to reveal herself, the audience audibly gasped. Donna was wonderful as the bitter spinster, driven to self imposed exile. Her mannerisms were of one driven to madness, her hand constantly fidgeting, her gaze empty, her dialogue hateful and wandering. Donna was excellent as Miss Havisham.

Estella, the ward of Miss Havisham, was played by Sarah White. Selfish and beautiful, Estella had been moulded by Havisham into a cold, calculating heart breaker. Sarah was impressive, holding herself aloof, looking down on Pip from their first meeting. Her dialogue was clear, her facial expressions varied, Sarah played a convincing role as the haughty young lady who liked to torment Pip for her own pleasure. Her change in character only happening after Havisham was dead and her own future is uncertain.

Joe Gargery, Pip’s brother-in-law, and the blacksmith was played by Steven McGarry. Steven was great as the softly spoken, kindhearted Joe. His accent was strong, his speech measured and steady, befitting the character he was portraying. A wonderful performance from Steven.

Angela Ross played Mrs Joe. The vicious wife of Joe and sister to Pip. Angela was great as the bullying, cane wielding Mrs Joe. The audience laughed aloud as she threatened Pip whilst nagging nonstop. Her attempts at pleasing Pumblechook were hilarious, her sycophantic ways deliberately over the top. Angela also confidently played the small but no less notable role of Miss Skiffins.

The role of Magwitch was played by Ant Wilson. Ant was mean and threatening as the escaped convict. The scene on the moors was great as he frightened young Pip into helping him. Even when he returned to England many years later, he was still bitter, bent on revenge. Ant was great in this role, his accent, and vocals sinister and effectively menacing.

The lawyer: Jaggers, was by played by Adam G Smith. Jaggers was a man of power. The link that tied all the characters together. A man of considerable influence. Adam was fantastic in this role, strong and confident, he held his head high, looking down on everyone. He had the clipped tone of a busy man, his character shady and money oriented.

David White was comical as Wemmick. Good friend to Pip and clerk to Jaggers, Wemmick had a dry, cynical sense of humour. David delivered his lines with great timing and facial expressions. When he bowed to his aged parent repeatedly the audience laughed aloud. A funny, well delivered performance from David.

Andrew Croft not only made the audience laugh as the Aged Parent, bowing repeatedly, huddled by the fireplace covered in a blanket, but he also delivered a jolly funny performance as Pumblechook. Andrew played the jovial Uncle to the maximum. He had good stage presence; his character was jocular and larger than life.

Playing the role of Biddy, and a cameo as Molly, Nicola Preston ably demonstrated her talent for different characters. As Biddy, friend of Pip, then later the new Mrs Joe, she was kind, logical and caring. As Molly, housekeeper to Jaggers, she was hesitant and afraid, her head held downwards. Two good characters from Nicola.

Rounding up the cast, but by no means any less important were Freya De Nobrega, who gave a confident performance as Young Estella, Jacob Wilson, who was convincing in his fight scene as the pompous Young Herbert, and Ethan Syers, together they were a band of street urchins that rampaged the London streets and ran through the audience. I thought these three actors invested in their roles, each confident, with great projection and enthusiasm.

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Great Expectations,’ the cast and crew produced an entertaining show. I would like to thank St James Players and Angela Ross for inviting me and my plus one to review their show and wish them luck for all future presentations.

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