During the early 1800’s prison ships, known as the Hulks, were moored on the Thames estuary. Aboard these ships; convicts were kept shackled before being transported to Australia and banished from England forever, sometimes for the most minor of infringements. This is one such story which tells of the misfortunes of Magwitch and how he became caught up in the devious wrong-doings carried out by his arch enemy Compeyson. After escaping from the Hulks ship, Magwitch meets Pip a young lad who provides him with much needed help; but alas! Magwitch is recaptured and sent back to the Hulks and onto Australia. He vows to repay Pip for his help and does so anonymously for many years and helps Pip to become a proper gentleman. Pip however does find a way to repay Magwitch’s good deed.
| Writer's Name: | Laurie Hornsby |
| Classification: | M |
| Running Time: | 90 minutes (approx) |
| Cast Size: | 21+ |
| Character Roles: | older-children-8-12, adult-males, adult-females, gender-neutral |
| Play Structure: | 2 Act Play |
1 review for Great Expectations
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Great Expectations
AUD 472.00 - Performance Package
AUD 90.00 - Cost Per Performance
During the early 1800’s prison ships, known as the Hulks, were moored on the Thames estuary. Aboard these ships; convicts were kept shackled before being transported to Australia and banished from England forever, sometimes for the most minor of infringements. This is one such story which tells of the misfortunes of Magwitch…
During the early 1800’s prison ships, known as the Hulks, were moored on the Thames estuary. Aboard these ships; convicts were kept shackled before being transported to Australia and banished from England forever, sometimes for the most minor of infringements. This is one such story which tells of the misfortunes of Magwitch and how he became caught up in the devious wrong-doings carried out by his arch enemy Compeyson. After escaping from the Hulks ship, Magwitch meets Pip a young lad who provides him with much needed help; but alas! Magwitch is recaptured and sent back to the Hulks and onto Australia. He vows to repay Pip for his help and does so anonymously for many years and helps Pip to become a proper gentleman. Pip however does find a way to repay Magwitch’s good deed.
| Writer's Name: | Laurie Hornsby |
| Classification: | M |
| Running Time: | 90 minutes (approx) |
| Cast Size: | 21+ |
| Character Roles: | older-children-8-12, adult-males, adult-females, gender-neutral |
| Play Structure: | 2 Act Play |
1 review for Great Expectations
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
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Review by Gregory Holyoake
What Larks! Charles Dickens’ episodic tale ‘Great Expectations’ has been transformed into a joyous musical production by Gordon Clarkson.
First performed in the author’s seaside town of Broadstairs, by a talented company of 7 performers who sing, dance and act to perfection – bringing alive a host of memorable characters from the enduring Victorian novel.
Imaginative staging with clever minimalistic scenery and vibrant costumes by Joy Clarkson and Ronny Young, gives a grand scale to the production. Short, snappy scenes range from the bleak north Kent marshes to the bustling streets of London.
Clarkson’s joyous production whips through the engaging story of Pip, a clumsy blacksmith’s boy, who aspires to become a gentleman and secure the affection of Estella, ward of the vindictive, Miss Havisham. The eccentric recluse inhabits a rambling mansion still dressed in the crumbling wedding attire she wore on the day she was jilted at the altar.
A most effective first scene reveals her courtship of a bounder, thus explaining her intense bitterness and avowed intention to break all men’s hearts.
The songs by Laurie Hornsby have catchy tunes and audacious rhymes that vary from the witty chorus, ‘A Crusty Pie’, to the heroine’s haunting melody , ‘I Have No Heart’. Hornsby is also responsible for the book.
There are robust characterisations from Frank Tucker as Magwitch and Pumblechook, and a fine performance from Joseph Wyatt as the lovelorn Pip.
The melodrama reaches its conclusion when Pip’s true benefactor reveals himself one dark, foggy night and, in Dickensian style, turns his grand new lifestyle upon its head.
Gordon, himself, as actor/ manager narrates the tale and plays the furtive lawyer, Jaggers performs the penultimate song, with his meritorious solo ‘The Richest Man’.
Dickens’ intricate story is delivered at a cracking pace and deserves to be seen by a wide audience.
Gregory Holyoake