The always fabulous This Is My Theatre, with their unique way of approaching stories, have this time turned their attention to Dickens’ classic Great Expectations: full of gothic images, extreme characters, and a well-meaning and honourable central hero. The characters in the novel have become so famous that we all know instantly what Miss Havisham looks like, who Magwitch is, Estella, and of course Pip, thanks to Dickens’ incredibly detailed descriptions. This is of course a blessing and a curse for any production, as any variation is likely to ruffle a few purist feathers; yet the interpretations here are as if the characters had stepped out of the novel, so true are they to the originals.
This company is known for its inventive and rustic multifunctional sets, this time including a wonderful archway shaped like a boat prow which indeed becomes a boat at the end. There are more set details than usual added to each of the scenes which is necessary because of Dickens’ descriptions: this is a wonderful honouring of the author, and a deep knowing of how beloved the book is by readers. They have a wonderful unhurried, unapologetic way of changing the scene, while all five sing a cappella time period appropriate harmonised songs: Lily Smith’s clear soprano notes impressing, along with the opposite end deepness of Leon Topley’s tones.
Jamie Patterson is extraordinary as Pip. Instantly and believably a child at the beginning, being threatened by Magwitch on the moors. He absolutely inhabits Pip physically, emotionally, and in every expression. His sudden awareness thanks to Estella, in a Genesis moment, of how common he is; leading to his modified way of speaking, even in tone, and uprightness and gait when he becomes a gentleman. The most extraordinary part of this performance is how he creates a Pip who despite his actions, we absolutely sympathise with. Often, Pip is portrayed as someone ultimately unlikeable and who has ‘made his own bed’ but here, calling out to Estella “I have great expectations” with such stifled anguish is absolutely heartbreaking. We root for him, we are invested, we live each emotional moment: hope, fear, disappointment.
The five actors altogether are such a wonderful team it is really a joy to watch them work travelling seamlessly between each of the characters. Isobel Rathband is both an almost ethereal Miss Havisham plus a grounded working class lovely Biddy who we hope Pip will notice as much as he notices Estella, played with the perfect balance of haughty disdain and mysteriousness as attractiveness by Lily Smith. Ed Saunders-Lee plays opposites of Magwitch and the lawyer Mr Jaggers, plus more, morphing easily between the different statuses held, way of speaking and physicality; as does Leon Topley with his range of characters from the loathsome and scary Compeyson to the rather funny Herbert. The light and funny moments are welcome, and the exclamation “well boil my laces and call the watch!” might become a favourite saying among those present.
This is a beautiful, first-class adaptation by Ethan Taylor, with sensitivity, depth, and respect for the original, and drawing out the characteristics of each main character. Director Sarah Slater and Assistant Director Chloe Bond have brought out the absolute best in the wonderful actors: a generous team who shine telling the story together. This is a story to take to heart: that it’s never too late, that sometimes home is exactly where you left it, and if you follow a dream, make sure it’s actually your dream. And perhaps the most important: to not let anyone else define who you are. This is a show to sit back and enjoy, let yourself be entertained and inspired. Let their singing at the preshow create the ambience for you to immerse yourself in the magical transformative journey of the characters in this most famous story. An absolute gem of a production.
St Peter’s Church, Preston Park, Brighton, 13 November 2025
Great Expectations runs various times see This Is My Theatre website Great Expectations | This Is My Theatre
Photos credit: Ethan Taylor
