Dom Hodson stars in the world premiere of Bleak Expectations, a new stage adaptation of the award-winning hit BBC Radio 4 comedy written by Mark Evans and directed by Caroline Leslie.
Bleak Expectations is the story that Charles Dickens might have written after drinking too much gin. And, crucially, had lived for another 152 years. Two-time winner of the Best Radio Sitcom award and winner of a Sony Award, Bleak Expectations has captivated audiences and critics alike since its 2007 radio debut.
Bleak Expectations will open at the Watermill from Friday 27 May and plays until Saturday 2 July, in association with Anthology Theatre Productions and David Wolstencroft (creator of BBC One Drama Spooks).
You’re starring in Bleak Expectations at the Watermill Theatre, what can you tell us about the play?
Bleak Expectations is a very silly comedy, lovingly poking fun at Dickens, Dickensian-tropes, and the era in general. It’s a whirlwind of a story which sees an idyllic childhood torn asunder (and eventually patched-up) via evil boarding schools (St Bastards!), swordfights in churchyards, and inventing the bin in Victorian London…
The host of characters is as ridiculous as it sounds; with best friend Harry Biscuit (who’s father invented the biscuit), convict Bakewell Havertwitch (who doesn’t have a twitch, but does bake well), and first love Flora Dies-Early (you can probably guess what happens to her…)
It’s so popular as a radio series, what do you think are the challenges of bringing it to the stage?
The radio series relied (obviously!) on a lot of audio gags, whereas we have to transfer the material into 3 (or even 4) D, making sure not to lose any of the pace and wonderful silliness of the original.
Tell us a little more about your character?
Pip is an eternal optimist – although very naïve (to the point of ignorance)! His heart is very much in the right place and he has a boundless energy.
What appealed to you most about taking on this role?
The chance to be very silly, (try to) make audiences laugh and play with material that is wonderfully written and very close to my heart, having grown up chuckling to the radio series.
What are you looking forward to most about performing at the Watermill?
It is one of the most beautiful theatres in the country, incredibly intimate and the perfect atmosphere for this show. Plus there isn’t really a bad seat in the house!
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Bleak Expectations?
Do it! You’ll have a ridiculous time, in a gorgeous setting, and forget about the modern world for a couple of hours!
