Criterion Theatre – until 3rd September 2023
Reviewed by Ben Jolly
4****
Bleak Expectations started its life as a comedy series on BBC Radio 4 back in 2007. After a successful five series run the show was adapted into a stage play by original writer, Mark Evans – premiering at the Watermill Theatre last year; the play has finally arrived in London’s West End at the charming Criterion Theatre – a perfect fit for this period comedy play.
The performance commences with a brief monologue from our guest narrator, Sir Philip Bin playing an older version of our protagonist, Pip. Each week will see a different face play the part in a clever stunt casting device. Our narrator for this gala performance was actress and comedian Sally Philips who immediately had the audience in the palm of her hand and had inserted herself into the play as if it were part of her DNA. Please do more theatre, Sally!
When introducing us to this crazy farcical world, we really hit the ground running from the get go with punchline after punchline establishing each character with flair and energy. When the play hits its stride it really is a wonderful piece of comedic theatre, quintessentially British, smart and yet doesn’t take itself too seriously.
That being said, as we get into the action and journey of the play, the plot starts to wear thin and by Act 2 it feels as though we have been on a rollercoaster of ups and downs so many times we are happy enough to step off the ride. There are moments when the plot has meanders, the scenes have become too lengthy due to somewhat self-indulgent performances and hammering on with the same joke. This was the play at its worst, dragging through somewhat and staggering to the end.
A strong team of performers, each having their moment to shine, it is mostly an ensemble piece but I have to note the exceptional performance by Marc Pickering playing several members of the Hardthrasher dynasty. He is a truly wonderful character actor and comedian with impeccable timings and gives a performance detailed to the nth degree.
Deliciously stylised set design by Katie Lias, the little pockets and tricks hiding around the stage really help to elevate the comedy throughout.
I suppose that in order to appreciate the best of times, we must endure the worst of times. This play has a lot more going for it than against, and even at its worst – it’s still pretty darn good!