Quantum Theatre returns to Hinton Ampner in Hampshire with an abridged adaptation of Charles Dickens’s novel Great Expectations. Although it has been reduced to fit a roughly 110 minutes performance none of the main storyline has been left out and whether you know the storyline or not it’s explained clearly and easy to follow.
The open air performances are always dependent on the elements. Although the rain held off the wind picked up adding its own special effects to the staging. The headstone fell foul to being knocked over in the opening scene. The cast swiftly picked it up and added it into the performance which was met with laughter from the audience.
Phillip Pirrip better know as ” Pip” has an encounter with escaped convict Magwitch while visiting his parents graveside. Pip shows the man kindness and compassion by bringing him food and drink. Even though he knows his sister Mrs Gargery will respond with violence when she discovers the food missing and she does.
This act of selfless humanity is repaid to Pip. He begins visiting the twisted jilted bride Miss Havisham, whose only aim in life is to mold Estella into a twisted version of herself and break as many hearts as possible. Nowadays you would hope social services would step in and save the impressionable young lady.
However, as Pip grows up he learns of his fortune changing and leaves his Blacksmiths home with his sister and Joe Gargery to start a more prestigious life in London with Jaggers, a solicitor. The story takes many twists and turns. Pip believes that Miss Havisham is the benefactor of his new life and is shocked to learn the truth.
The cast of four takes on a plethora of characters. Pip is the only role that the actor doesn’t take on any other role. Which is unsurprising as he appears in every scene. His facial expressions sometimes said more than the character’s words and added another dimension to the role of Pip. The cast works very well together and needs to have a close working relationship due to the timing and speed of costume and location changes. Which they achieved without any hitches that I could see.
The set was constantly changing locations and venue. Although the main area remained the same sign changes, movable basic furniture and public house signage placed the cast firmly into the desired location. All of which were the places named in the original novel. A simple and extremely effective staging design that allowed the audience to follow the storyline.
Dickens was a master at holding a mirror up to society and showing that people are often not what they seem to be and that judgement plays a big part in how society can view those around them. Opinions and behaviour that continues in society today.
It’s a good evening out experiencing open-air Theatre held in the grounds of beautiful National Trust locations, that’s as long as the weather is on your side.
For more information on Quantum Theatre and their touring production dates please visit the link below.
Photo credit Simon Bell (audience member)
Three Stars.
Cast
Stephen Cunningham
Alistair Ilsley
Susanna McEwan
Jocelyn Dunne
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