Miss Havisham has always been depicted in the famous Charles Dickens novel Great Expectations in the role of the sad and bitter rejected spinster, who loathes men and seeks to destroy relationships around her. In Haversham  Heather Alexander presents a sympathetic backstory where she was once kind, innocent and considerate.

Opening the performance in the style of the novel, the reader first encounters Miss Haversham sitting in her ageing wedding dress looking solemn and rejected. The layers are hastily removed and a younger fresher Havisham is presented to the audience.

Havisham’s childhood is marred with rejection and abandonment. Living in isolation in the “big house” and on the outside of other children living in the village. School life is difficult for the inquisitive child. Asking awkward questions is frowned upon and she learns to be quiet and not to bother anyone.

Alexander’s concept of the backstory is an intriguing idea where the innocence of love and romance are found in the dashing James. Whose despicable behaviour leads the playback to the famous jilted bride scene.

The story intertwines smoothly as Havisham is taught how to behave through the treatment she receives time after time. Leaving her angry from the trauma and continuous gaslighting. It would be hardly surprising to find her alone and angry in Great Expectations.

For more information please check out the link below.

Four Stars.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/havisham