A powerful and atmospheric new stage adaptation of Dickens’ Great Expectations is continuing its run at the theatre this week to a string of rave reviews. The New Vic's very own Artistic Director Theresa Heskins is using creative and dynamic staging to bring the book to life in an energetic reworking that is winning approval from audiences and critics alike.
“Since Jamaica Inn last year I’ve been on the look out for another piece that requires imaginative staging and a versatile cast” says Theresa Heskins. “Dickens’ tale of a young working lad made to expect more out of life has been one of my favourite novels since I first read it whilst undergoing the culture shock of moving from a London council estate to Oxford University. I could empathise with Pip’s sense of belonging to both worlds and neither.”
Since joining the theatre in January 2007 Theresa Heskins has directed several successful productions including the hugely popular Wizard of Oz and Cider with Rosie. Before that she was artistic director of Pentabus Theatre, establishing its reputation as a centre for innovative new writing. Productions there included Julian Garner's Silent Engine, a collaboration with the National Theatre Studio which earned the company a Fringe First award in Edinburgh; and Bryony Lavery's outdoor epic Precious Bane, acclaimed by the Guardian as one of the ten best site-specific shows ever. Theresa is also a writer, with credits for The Royal Court Young Writers’ Festival, ITV, Midlands Arts Centre and BBC Radio 4.
The eight-strong Great Expectations cast includes former Emmerdale actress Janice McKenzie as Miss Havisham and New Vic favourite Michael Hugo as Pip. Jon Trenchard is making his New Vic debut after being part of Edward Hall’s all-male company Propeller, performing The Taming of the Shrew and Twelfth Night at the Old Vic, The Watermill Theatre, the RSC, Off Broadway and on international tour.
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