Bleak Expectations

"A wickedly inventive parody of Victorian melodrama" The Times

Join a medley of much-loved faces including Tom Allen, Adjoa Andoh, Alexander Armstrong, Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Stephen Fry, Nish Kumar, Lee Mack, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miller or Sue Perkins* in this “irresistible”(The Times) stage adaptation of the award-winning BBC Radio 4 comedy series Bleak Expectations. Follow the hilarious misadventures of the young Pip Bin - tragic half orphan, hopeless romantic and would-be-hero - as this glorious Victorian mash-up arrives at the Criterion Theatre for a limited season from the 3 May.

*Not all at the same time, obviously, that would be ridiculous**

Bleak Expectations is the riotous story that Charles Dickens might havewritten after drinking too much gin. Follow Pip’s extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy plus best friend Harry Biscuit as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings, and deflect disaster at every turn!

Will evil be vanquished by virtue? Can love triumph over hate? Escape with this joyfully anarchic comedy featuring barbarous boarding schools, contemptible conspiracies, roaring romances, devilish disguises, and definitely, probably, hopefully, a happy ending!

Please see website for announced cast members and their individual performance dates.

Important Information

10+. Guidance on Content: This performance uses prop guns and contains loud noises, haze and at points flashes of light.

We cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist at any performance, as this is subject to a variety of factors beyond the producers’ control. No refunds or exchanges will be offered due an artist’s unavailability to perform.

Age Restrictions

10+. Guidance on Content: This performance uses prop guns and contains loud noises, haze and at points flashes of light.

Performance Times

Now taking bookings for performances up until Sun 3rd September 2023.

Show times for each day are below.

Criterion Theatre Details

Facilities at Criterion Theatre

Criterion Theatre Location

Please note: The location shown on the map is an approximate location of the theatre. In the majority of cases the theatre will be marked on the map so please make sure you locate the exact location yourself. If the theatre is not shown on the map please make sure you locate the correct road name and take account of the directions.