Great Expectations
The Geffrye Museum of the Home
Reviewed – 17th August 2019
★★★★
“the company succeeds in bringing off this show with great flair”
If you haven’t yet discovered the oasis of peace in busy Hoxton that is the Geffrye Museum, then, for the next few weekends in August, you have an additional reason to go. Free Theatre UK is performing a “steam punk” version of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic Great Expectations that audiences of all ages will enjoy. This is an outdoors production, so bring along a picnic, something to sit on, and don’t worry if it rains. The company is well prepared with tents for both performers and the audience. And did I mention it’s free?
Great Expectations is the kind of novel that gets introduced to school kids at too young an age, and it is often years before they wish to tackle Dickens again. This is a great pity not only because the story of Pip and the extraordinary characters who surround him is unforgettable, but as always, Dickens paints a vast canvas illuminating the lived realities of the Industrial Age. It is appropriate, therefore, that Free Theatre has chosen to perform this adaptation in the grounds of the Geffrye Museum, founded and built by a successful merchant as almshouses for the widows and orphans of ironmongers. Skillfully adapted by Phil Willmott, this production of Great Expectations is also highly accessible, so it’s a wonderful way to introduce your kids to Dickens before they have a chance to get discouraged.
Like Pip, Free Theatre UK also has “great expectations,” and the company succeeds in bringing off this show with great flair. Everything has been thought through with care, from the greeter at the gate who ushers you into the gardens of the Geffrye Museum, to the actor who courteously bids you farewell at the end of the show. The set is elaborate by outdoors performance standards, with a lot of imaginative touches. Both this, and the costumes, designed by Penn O’Gara, give this production its “steam punk” elements, and if there is one criticism to be made, it is that this idea could have been developed a bit further in the script. But the design elements use steam punk to memorable effect.
Free Theatre UK is, for the most part, a young company, although what some performers lack in experience, they make up for in talent. Under the capable direction of Phil Willmott, everyone has a chance to shine. Noteworthy performances include Cal Chapman as Pip, Darcey O’Rouke as Estella, and the terrific Matthew Wade, who takes on contrasting roles as the convict Magwitch, and as Joe, Pip’s gentle and caring foster father. There’s also Jan Hewitt’s wonderfully operatic Miss Havisham to enjoy as well. As an ensemble, the cast works beautifully together, taking on multiple roles, sharing the narration between them, and even performing some live music.
You’ve got two weekends and Bank Holiday Monday to catch this glorious show. Go!
Reviewed by Dominica Plummer
Images by Joseph Mark Photography
Great Expectations
The Geffrye Museum of the Home until 1st September
Previous ten shows covered by this reviewer:
Holy Land | ★★★ | The Space | June 2019
Strange Fruit | ★★★★ | Bush Theatre | June 2019
The Luncheon | ★★★ | Tristan Bates Theatre | June 2019
Past Perfect | ★★★★ | Etcetera Theatre | July 2019
When It Happens | ★★★★★ | Tristan Bates Theatre | July 2019
Boris Rex | ★★ | Tristan Bates Theatre | August 2019
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain Part Four | ★★★ | Apollo Theatre | August 2019
Showtune | ★★★★ | Union Theatre | August 2019
The Time Of Our Lies | ★★★★ | Park Theatre | August 2019
Agent 14 | ★ | Upstairs at the Gatehouse | August 2019
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