Unusual adaptation is poignant and well acted

Great Expectations '“ Fylde Coast Players, Lowther Pavilion
Dickens Great Expectations  staged by Fylde Coast PlayersDickens Great Expectations  staged by Fylde Coast Players
Dickens Great Expectations staged by Fylde Coast Players

This well-known Charles Dickens classic has been cleverly staged by Fylde Coast Players.

The story is of Pip, a boy from a poor background being given a chance to improve himself and become a gentleman by means of a mystery benefactor.

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Director Rosie Withers has dealt with the numerous scene changes neatly by using the back of the stage to project images ensuring continuity between each one.

This works especially well in the two most dramatic scenes where both fire and a sinking boat feature.

Richie Withers as Pip gives a mature and confident performance, using differences in both mannerisms and accent to show the changes occurring in his life.

As his younger self, Nate Kelly is very assured and the two work well together during this unusual adaptation where they share the narration throughout. The scene where the adult Pip takes over from the young is very poignant.

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Felicity Morgan handles the dual role of both of Jo Gargery’s (a wonderfully simple Tim Greenwood) wives with great aplomb and Heather Cartmell relishes the chance to play the jilted Miss Havisham.

Paul Lomax (Wemmick), Andy Cooke (Magwitch), Glyn Morton (Pumblechuck) and Don Green (Jaggers) stand out among the talented large supporting cast which, includes some excellent young performances boding well for the group’s future.

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