An additional four guest stars have been added to the list of names who will play the role of Sir Philip Bin in Caroline Leslie’s irresistible production of Mark Evans’ glorious comedy mash-up Bleak Expectations. Julian Clary, Dermot O’Leary, Sally Philips and Nina Wadia join the list of names previously announced. Each will play the part of Sir Philip Bin for one week. A schedule of dates can be found below.
Other names confirmed so far to make an appearance are: Tom Allen, Adjoa Andoh, Alexander Armstrong, Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Stephen Fry, Nish Kumar, Lee Mack, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miller and Sue Perkins.
Julian Clary said: “Such a thrill to be giving my Sir Pip Bin in Bleak Expectations. It is a challenging role and I look forward to being stretched as never before.”
Dermot O’Leary said: “I’m thrilled, excited, nervous (all those wonderful sensations), can’t wait for a week of Dickensian silliness.”
Sally Philips said: “What larks we’ll have, Pip, what larks we’ll have.”
Bleak Expectations follows young Pip’s extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy plus best friend Harry Biscuit as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings, and deflect disaster at every turn!
Will evil be vanquished by virtue? Can love triumph over hate? Escape with this joyfully anarchic comedy featuring barbarous boarding schools, contemptible conspiracies, roaring romances, devilish disguises, and definitely, probably, hopefully, a happy ending!
The performance schedule is as follows:
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 Kumar.
Criterion Theatre, 218-223 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9HR from 3rd May – 3rd September. Times: Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm; Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm; Sunday at 3pm. Admission: £15 – £90.
Booking: www.bleakexpectations.com
