Bleak Expectations
Bleak Expectations
This Spring, see the cream of British comedy and acting talent take on the career defining role of The Narrator, in the riotous new comedy classic – Bleak Expectations.
‘ZINGS WITH INTELLIGENCE & IMAGINATION’ The Guardian
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. Book your tickets today.
- Cast
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**
Cast
• 3- 7 May: Nina Wadia
• 9-14 May: Dermot O’Leary
• 16-21 May: Sally Philips
• 30 May - 4 June: Sue Perkins
• 6-11 June: Julian Clary
• 13-18 June: Adjoa Andoh
• 27 June - 2 July: Lee Mack
• 4-9 July: Stephen Mangan
• 11-16 July: Jo Brand
• 18-23 July: Tom Allen
• 25-30 July: Jack Dee
• 1-6 August: Alexander Armstrong
• 8-13 August: Stephen Fry
• 15-20 August: Ben Miller
• 29 August - 3 September: Nish Kuma
The producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist at any performance, as this is subject to a variety of factors including illness, injury, or events beyond the producers’ control. No refunds or exchanges will be offered as a result of an artist’s unavailability to perform at any performance.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Access Information
For access information please call the box office please call 020 7839 8811 or email boxoffice@criterion-theatre.co.uk
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds or exchanges after purchase.
- Where Do I Go
The Criterion is on Piccadilly Circus south-east side, by The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (Eros). The theatre entrance faces the statue.
Piccadilly Circus tube station, exit 4, brings you to the front of the theatre.
Reviews
TONY ALLEN
Jun 9, 2023
A great show, really funny brilliantly written and performed
Scarlett
May 31, 2023
A great adaption of the radio play, with additional physical comedy which really brought the story to life. All the roles were perfectly cast. I particularly enjoyed Hardthrasher and Gently, loving every moment they were on stage. All the cast did an excellent job. I would definitely recommend this paly for anyone who wants a fun filled theatre experience.
Karl MacGinty
May 28, 2023
A wild and wonderfully irreverent romp through the works of Charles Dickens. Well written and cast perfectly, the actors appeared to be having as much fun as the audience. in this frenetic, laugh-a-minute farce.
Anne
May 26, 2023
A really entertaining show, and with a very funny script, spectacularly accurate comic timing and a cast prepared to go all out playing a vast array of characters. Robert Lindsay as the guest narrator was a delight. Well done all. An enjoyable night out. We left with laughter in our hearts!
Richard Clark
May 26, 2023
Absurd, hilarious and so well acted. London theatre at its best and reasonably priced.
Alex
May 22, 2023
This was the worst thing I have ever seen at the Theatre. Unfortunately it was not funny. Poorly acted, slapstick. I find laughter an involuntary reaction to something funny but this was never the case here. Sally Phillips, of whom I would say I was a fan, delivered a terrible commentary with what presumably were some funny bits as a confidential aside which was largely inaudible. I was expecting it to be hammy, overacted, with innuendo and bordering on Pantomime but I was also expecting to laugh which I seldom did.
Mags
May 21, 2023
Two hours of laugh. The entire cast simply amazing! Sally Phillips added a sprinkle of magic.
Peter
May 20, 2023
Not entertaining
Stuart Boucher
May 17, 2023
Excellent fun evening. Sally was great as narrator and cast very good!
JW
May 17, 2023
Loved the silly humour - a bit Black Adder! Mixed with Horrible Histories! Hard working cast with old fashion sort of slap stick. Just a thorough good laugh. Only reason for 4 stars was the side view sears (AA28 and 29) were more difficult to lean forward because seats are fixed. But the price reflected that but just a warning if you have maybe a bad back.
Mark S
May 16, 2023
A joyous romp through a Dickens pastiche. The main cast are brilliant and it is almost a shame there needs to be the draw of a big name to attract people to see it. We had Dermot O’Leary, who was a fun narrator, it was good to see another side to him.
Hania
May 14, 2023
Simple humour, good acting
paola
May 12, 2023
very disappointing show. I am a regular theatre goer and this is the first time I felt like leaving the performance half way through.
Helen Brown
May 12, 2023
Very funny
Gemma
May 10, 2023
I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was very silly and very funny. I haven’t laughed at the theatre so much before. I wasn’t sure who the special guest narrator was going to be so that added to the excitement.
Beki Jones
May 6, 2023
The actors were extremely good and entertaining, as was Nina Wadia. The comedy was good at times but we were expecting it to be funnier throughout.
Rowan Finch
May 4, 2023
I don’t usually write reviews, but feel compelled to do so, because it was so utterly weak and waste of time and money. I’m a single father who rarely gets time off. I wish I had not gone to the expenses and time. The writing offered nothing new and amateurs could have done a better acting job. Pitiful.
From £16.50