Great Expectations theatre review: Vaudeville Theatre, London
23rd Feb 2013 1:42pm | By Louise Kingsley Though drastically cut to just over two hours actual playing time by adaptor Jo Clifford, this stage version of Charles Dickens’ lengthy 1860’s novel still takes an awfully long time to generate dramatic momentum.
Robin Peoples’ cobweb-draped, Gothic set - dominated by a huge mirror through which scenes from the past briefly become visible and with a decaying wedding cake centre stage - perfectly evokes the neglected gloom of Satis House where Miss Havisham (Paula Wilcox in tattered bridal gown) first summons young orphan Pip to play with her adopted daughter Estella.