News Article

Casting: Bleak Expectations

26 Jul 24

Tom Mathias announces his cast for Bleak Expectations by Mark Evans, opening 22 October

Adapted from a BBC Radio 4 comedy series, Mark Evans’ play has been described as the riotous story Charles Dickens might have written after drinking too much gin! And, crucially, had he lived for another 152 years.

 

Follow half-orphan Pip’s extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy and 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?

The auditions for Bleak Expectations were a whirlwind in the best possible way. I am so grateful to have had such a high turn-out (over 60 people for 9 roles) and so much enthusiasm and great performances from members and newcomers. I was not prepared for just how difficult the decisions would be, but after some long nights, my AD Ollie Adkin and I are thrilled to get to work with these beauties.

This play is based on a radio comedy series that is a send up of all things Dickens. It is an absolute joy; the jokes come thick and fast and are sharp enough to shave with. The characters are huge and silly, but still full of heart (except Mr. Gently Benevolent). I relisten to the show yearly, but missed the West End show with its multiple guest readers for Sir Philip. That ignorance is bliss and this cast will get all of that fun off of the page and into the Fire Station for a show that only SLT could do. I can’t wait to see this play in front of audiences.

The inevitable quote, not from the script (no spoilers!), but a Note on the Text in the front matter:
“The main point is that everyone should have as much fun as possible.”

Tom Mathias
Director

Cast:

  • Sir Philip Bin – Simon Gleisner
  • Pip Bin – Tom Mitchell
  • Poppy Bin – Daniella Annoh
  • Harry Biscuit – Alex Watts
  • Hardthrasher – Jamie Bowman
  • Gently Benevolent – Guy Jones
  • Bakewell Havertwitch – Wayne Leonard
  • Pippa Bin – Flora Blisset
  • Agnes Bin – Anna Callender

Bleak Expectations runs 22-26 October. Early bird tickets will be on sale soon.