“My father’s family name being Pirrip, and my Christian name Philip, my infant tongue could make of both names nothing longer or more explicit than Pip. So, I called myself Pip and came to be called Pip.”

Among the gravestones of a desolate churchyard in the Kent marshes Pip meets the convict, Magwitch, a meeting that is to affect his life in ways the young boy can never imagine.

So begins one of the great novels of the English language, brought to life onstage in a new adaptation specially commissioned by the Southwick Players.

Great Expectations tells the story of Pip’s journey from a poor, abusive childhood into a privileged adulthood and the corrosive power that money and social class can exert.

As his life begins to fall apart, Pip comes to realise that his “great expectations” – social standing and wealth – mean little compared to loyalty and compassion. 

During the course of the show, you come face-to-face with some of Dickens’ best-known characters: Miss Havisham, jilted on her wedding day; Estella, the unrequited love of Pip’s life; Joe, the tender-hearted blacksmith.

Dickens wrote two different endings to his novel. Richard Lindfield’s adaptation gives you the chance to decide which one you think Pip deserves.

9th-12th July 7.30pm
12th July matinee 2.30pm