Argent Theatre return to Upton with play based on BBC Radio 4’s Bleak Expectations

A decade-long absence is to be broken by a play based on hit BBC Radio 4 series Bleak Expectations.

Argent Theatre will return to Upton after ten years to stage the adaptation of Mark Evans’ Dickensian spoof series at the village hall.

The story centres around young Pip Bin who befriends convict Bakewell Havertwitch, and is then deceived by his guardian the ironically named Gently Benevolent who enrols him into a beastly school for boys run by headmaster Wackwell Hardthrasher.

There he meets his best friend Harry Biscuit and they set about righting all sorts of wrongs.

Jill Morris is Pip, Tony Smith is Bakewell, John Dodd is Gently Benevolent, Jonty Redgate is the headmaster and Tyler Dodd is Harry.

The production also includes Jenny Milnes-Yeoman as Cripple in the Wrong Vision and Pat Munro as Pip’s Mother, Agnes.

Mark Lebeter, a well-known actor in the area, latterly of the Robin Hood Theatre, plays Sir Philip Bin who narrates the action, while Pip Bin's sisters are played by Louise Hunt and Jasmine Dodd.

Sharron Cawthorne-Dodd turns on the saucy heat as Ripely Fecund the erstwhile potential love interest of young Pip.

A mash-up of Oliver Twist, Pickwick, Christmas Carol and Great Expectations with Blackadder style similes, the production — a live performance in the style of a classic radio play — also boasts a cheesy 1970s front of house soundtrack.

Director Chantelle Thornley said: “We had four sold-out performances for a similar production when we did Agatha Christie Radio Plays in Newark in 2022, and we've built on the skills we developed for that show.

“The audience will be treated to a flavour of the studios of the 40s and 50s when spoken radio ruled the airwaves and recordings starred ‘Foley’ sound artists working alongside the famous actors. Its fun to watch and a treat for the ears too.”

Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/argenttheatre.

Bleak Expectations will run from July 2 to July 6