Call :phone to book directly from the theatre or Subscribe
Bleak Expectations
See the cream of British comedy and acting talent take on the career defiling role of The Narrator, in the riotous new comedy classic Bleak Expectations.
Based on the award-winning radio series by Mark Evans, Bleak Expectations takes you on a joyfully anarchic journey through Dickensian London and beyond. Follow the heroic misadventures of young Pip Bin as he battles mistaken identities, contemptible conspiracies and surreal plot twists in his quest to save his family and find true love.
A special guest star narrator each week!
May: Nina Wadia, Dermot O’Leary, Sally Phillips, Robert Lindsay, Sue Perkins
June: Julian Clary, Adjoa Andoh, Craig Ferguson, Lee Mack
July: Stephen Mangan, Jo Brand, Tom Allen, Jack Dee
August: Alexander Armstrong, Stephen Fry, Ben Miller, Nish Kumar
Get ready for a Bleaking unforgettable night of laugh-out-loud comedy action, from 3 May at London’s Criterion Theatre.
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 19 reviews
General:
What to expect
Acting:
Music:
Costumes:
Story:
Lighting:
Recommendations
Anyone:
Families:
Teenagers:
Young Couples:
Theatregoers:
Bleak Expectations Not so BLEAK funny great acting full of energy and good for all ages above 7years old. Hopefully the show will be repeated by popular demand.
Many friends missed the show due to someone cutting the weeks viewing SHORT. Shame on whoever made the decision.
Hilary, 14 Aug 2023
Life affirming and full of fun! Fantastic acting, excellent stage set and funny script. Whole family (children aged 12, 14 and 16) enjoyed it. Bravo!
Sharon, 25 Jul 2023
So much fun This play grabs you right from the start. Pace, timing and clarity of diction second to none. In parts spontaneous, and at our show the audience participation was warming.
Claire, 06 Jul 2023
Excellent Good fun
kerry, 03 Jul 2023
Nothing "Bleak" about this show! A brilliant show.....entertaining and fun throughout. Don't think that you need to have read Dickens' novels to enjoy it! It is enjoyable in its own right, with the added "Twist" of scenes from ........anywhere!
Catherine, 29 Jun 2023
Great fun Really enjoyed the show. I'm quite hard of hearing, so I missed a few lines that went down well with everyone else, and I confess I haven't read all Dickens' books, so I probably missed a few references - but they're was more than enough for a great night at the theatre.
Andrew, 20 Jun 2023
Lemony Snicket meets Charles Dickens Humorous, in a slightly overblown but not quite slapstick way. Lots of wink, wink jokes about British male sexuality and the lack of anything resembling women’s rights. It’s not deep or philosophical, but it is overall a bit of a lighthearted romp through 19th century mores and behavior.
Lauren, 12 Jun 2023
5 Stars I had a fantastic time & at my favourite Theatre
Natalie, 12 May 2023
Loved this! Booked these tickets last minute and so so glad we did. It was hilarious and the cast were just fabulous and engaging. I loved this, congratulations to everyone, an utter joy!
Ciara, 06 May 2023
