John Clifford’s fine adaptation of the Dickens’ classic Great Expectations begins at Perth Theatre on Thursday 10  November 2005.

Great Expectations is the first “home produced” production this season at Perth and is viewed as the perfect production to help re-launch and reposition the long-established and much loved theatre, under the new Creative Direction of Graham McLaren (also of Theatrebabel) and Ian Grieve.

The two were brought in just over a year ago with their aim to place Perth Theatre firmly on the cultural map, gain a reputation for ambitious producing as well as maintain and build the reputation of the theatre as being a highly desirable space to host touring and co-productions.

McLaren is both directing and co-designing Great Expectations (Robin Peoples also co-designing the set) and acknowledges Dickens can be a tricky writer to reinvent on stage:

“Dickens’ gothic eccentricity is notoriously difficult to put on stage, but John Clifford’s adaptation has so much heart, spirit and space to invent and adapt. This is a play in its own right not simply retelling the book.”

This well-known rags to riches tale of young Pip (played by Jim Webster Stewart) whose moral progress is shaped by his encounter with the eerie convict Magwitch (Jimmy Chisholm), his relationship with the mysterious Miss Havisham (Vari Sylvester) and her vengeful protegée Estella (Sarah Lawrie).

An orphan starting out with little or nothing, Pip suffers at the hands of his poorly and somewhat exasperated elder sister Mrs Joe (Molly Innes) but looked after under the watchful eye of his caring brother-in-law Joe (Robin Cameron). However, Pip welcomes the chance to escape his tough and difficult upbringing to pursue what dreams are made of and accepts the offer of a gentleman’s life by the famous London criminal lawyer Mr. Jaggers (Jimmy Chisholm).

“It’s a recognisable title and an ambitious play to mount,” says McLaren. “Although this story was written many years ago, it’s also fundamental to life today and brings with it relevant and important underlying messages on the values we hold and how we treat children.”

“Magwitch can be viewed very much the evil and sinister character but really, what he and all the characters are looking for is unconditional love.”

Other cast starring in this production includes: James Bryce (Wemmick/Musician), Molly Innes (also as Molly and Biddy), Tom McGovern (Wopsle/Pocket), Paul Nivison (adult Pip) and Allan Tall (Servant/musician).

Great Expectations is showing at Perth Theatre from Thursday 10  to Saturday 26 November 2005. Kids Go Free Tue - Thu at the theatre with an adult. Tickets range from £9.50 – £15.50 plus concession rates. Call 0845 612 6319 or log onto www.horsecross.co.uk.