Great Expectations

It is many years since I read ‘Great Expectations’ - at school in fact - and it was good to refresh my memory of this Charles Dickens' classic when I saw your production last week. It’s amazing just how much I had forgotten about this tale of rags to riches and then back again. It was Charles Dickens’ 13th novel and published as a serial from 1860 to 1861, before being published as a book in 1861.

Dominic was first rate as Pip, a young man from a humble background who helped free an unknown convict. He portrayed the gradual transition to becoming a gentleman of society - and later regrets at having neglected his family, with sensitivity.

As Magwitch, Derek was very good. He acted the rough, tough criminal convincingly, and he was obviously not all bad as he rewarded Pip later enabling him to change his social standing.

Aidan Creanor gave a confident performance as young Pip and I’m sure he will be entertaining audiences for many years to come. In the second act there were a number of louder sound effects whilst Aidan had dialogue, and then he needed a little more voice projection.

The story of Miss Havisham is one that everyone appears to be familiar with, and Angelique Everard gave a passionate performance in this role of the eccentric jilted bride. She was scary and not to be trifled with, imbuing in Estella her own loathing for men.

Belinda Doyle played Estella - the cold-hearted young lady with whom Kip falls in love - with elegance and disdain.

Since he joined Riverside Players in January for the pantomime Tyler has gone on to play a lead role in a musical and now a Charles Dicken’s play! He has proved his versatility and made an excellent Herbert Pocket.

Richard Pikett was good as Joe, the kind blacksmith who brought up Pip along with his wife, Mrs Joe, played by Serena Bailey. Serena played Biddy also, changing some of her costume on stage to do so, but I felt she could have made rather more of that indication of change of character – it was not quite obvious enough except for her change in manner. She did very well in her first scripted production.

Rob Day was brilliant. The role of Aged Parent slightly having the edge over Uncle Pumblechook, and he has the most wonderful voice projection!

The other character whose every word could be heard was Sarah as Mrs Jaggers. She was haughty and business-like and gave a very commanding performance.

Savanna Jacobsz and Fiona Lawrie both acquitted themselves well in the different characters they portrayed.

The play was superbly staged with every different location within the story on stage from start to finish. The Marshes, the Cemetery and Statis House set behind the tabs and the two separate tables and chairs in front for the action either in Joe’s house or at Herbert Pocket’s – also the arm chair and fireplace for the Aged Parent’s abode set on the floor.

I liked the way that the boy Pip accompanied London Pip as a sort of ‘conscience’ as his life style changed, and the scene of the carriage ride really conjured up the type of journey it would have been in that era.

Properties and furniture were appropriate, loved the cob-web candelabra, and costumes too were all suitable. The men ‘s trousers should of course have been held up by braces and not a belt – a small thing but relevant.

The lighting and sound were praiseworthy. The lighting plot was especially well thought out and operated, and the sound effects were very good.

Scenes moved on seamlessly due to the efficient and prompt action of cast and crew.

Vicki’s vision for the play and her stage direction were excellent.

Thank you for your hospitality and an enjoyable evening .

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