The story Dickens might’ve written after too much gin… Join half-orphan Pip, sisters Pippa and Poppy, and best friend Harry Biscuit as they dodge the wicked Mr Gently Benevolent, battle the vile Hardthrasher twins, and face disaster at every turn. Can good defeat evil? Will love win out?
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“The story Charles Dickens might have written after drinking too much gin.”
Bleak Expectations started life as an award-winning BBC Radio 4 series (available on Audible for any that are interested) before being adapted into a play, initially at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, before transferring to the West End.
It tells the story of half-orphan Pip’s extraordinary exploits, alongside his sisters Pippa and Poppy and his best friend Harry Biscuit, as they attempt to escape the villainous clutches of the evil Mr Gently Benevolent.
It is, in a word (or two), very silly! It needs a cast of 9 and I propose to do the recommended doubling to keep everyone busy! High energy and enthusiasm are a must, as is a willingness to bring and try out ideas! I am also happy to do gender-blind casting (since there is already crossdressing written in) so if any young lady fancies playing a young Victorian gentleman or any gentlemen would like to show off their ankles in a pretty frock, here’s your chance! I have also not put down specific ages for characters – as long as they work okay with family members, etc. ages are fairly flexible.
Sir Philip Bin – Older wealth successful novelist and narrator. Will need to interact with the audience and keep an air of control on the proceedings!
Pin Bin – Sir Philip as a young man, our protagonist and hero of the story
Harry Bin – Pip’s best friend; what he lacks in wits he makes up for in enthusiasm for swans
Pippa Bin – The older of Pip’s two sisters
Poppy Bin – The younger of Pip’s two sisters; also doubles as Ripley Fecund, Pip’s love interest and daughter of Mr Broadly Fecund
Gently Benevolent – Our villain, almost impossible to overplay! Enjoy his villainy!
The Hardthrashers – Our secondary villains, four siblings (three brothers, one sister), all played by the same actor, who, one at a time, attempts to thwart our hero
Thomas Bin – Pip’s father; also doubles as Bakewell Havertwitch (think Magwitch in Great Expectations) and Broadly Fecund, one of Pip’s benefactors
Agnes Bin – Pip’s mother, also doubles as Flora in a tragic interlude!
Offers for backstage roles are also most welcome.
For scripts, questions, or if you can’t make the listed audition dates, please contact Paul at paulrmorton2@gmail.com or on 07906 690082.
