Bleak Expectations heads to Stoke Repertory Theatre

Bleak Expectations by Mark Evans heads to Stoke Repertory Theatre

Head to Stoke Repertory Theatre this December to watch Bleak Expectations by Mark Evans, a Dickensian parody with peril, romance and ridiculousness.

Pray, let us adore Sir Philip Bin, the famous Victorian inventor and novelist, as he recounts the story of his youth. A happy childhood, with his sisters Pippa and Poppy, is shattered when his father dies in a sinister plot by the evil Mr Gently Benevolent, who then becomes Pip’s cruel guardian.

Sent to a brutal boarding school run by the wicked Hardthrasher, Pip escapes with the help of his cheerful best friend, Harry Biscuit. Together, they face bizarre adventures, romantic entanglements and fiendish plots, all while trying to stop Benevolent’s schemes to seize the family fortune.

This deliciously absurd spoof of Charles Dickens’ novels, and based on the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series, will take you on a lively, fun-filled journey through a delightfully bonkers Victorian world. Enjoy if you will. We are sure you will want some more…

Cast Details

Derek Yeomans
Ciarnan Roberts
Jane Procter
Siobhan Challinor
Miranda Gresty
Matthew Spooner
David Pengelly
Richard Morrey
Ian Birkin
Anthony Hadley

Creative Details

Co-Directors: Geoff Legan and Dawn Birks
Assistant Director: Christian Bagnall

How much do the tickets cost?

Evening tickets at £17.25 while matinee tickets are priced at £14.01.

How do I book tickets to watch Bleak Expectations?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Players Box or by calling 01782 209784 (Mon to Fri from 5pm to 9pm or Sat to Sun from 10am to 5pm) or via email boxoffice@stokerepplayers.co.uk.

How long is the Bleak Expectations for and what are the timings?

The show will be opening on Tuesday, 9 December and will run until Saturday, 13 December 2025. The shows will be at 7.30pm each evening with a matinee show at 2.30pm on the Saturday. Do visit their website for more details.

Where is Stoke Repertory Theatre?

Leek Road
Stoke-On-Trent
ST4 2TR
Tel: (01782) 209897
email: stokerep@btconnect.com

About Stoke Repertory Players

Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Players are the in-house theatre company of the Stoke Rep Theatre producing a programme of five quality theatrical productions each season with an outstanding history of 100 Years as a leading force in the artistic culture of the area.

About Stoke Repertory Theatre

The idea to have a new, purpose-built theatre was created following the destruction of the Empire Theatre in Longton by fire on New Year’s Eve 1992 after plans to purchase this wonderful period property came to an abrupt end. Fund Raising had started by the Rep members in 1991 and the new build project received the help of the Arts Council, a National Lottery grant, the support of the City Council, funds raised by the membership and the generous sponsorship of numerous local companies and businesses.

On November 7th 1997, at a Gala Evening, The Players were proud to open a brand new 250 seat theatre in Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent. It was opened by the guest of honour, the Right Honourable Mark Fisher MP, Minister for The Arts.
The Rep is a Limited Company with charitable status. It is operated and staffed by volunteers and receives no annual funding or grants from National Arts bodies or the City Council. It continues to be the the home of amateur theatre company, The Stoke on Trent Repertory Players, 2021 marked the Centenary of this group of dedicated performers.

Tips / Information

Free parking available at the Theatre Car Park, but try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the performance. Overspill Free Parking available at the front of Quantum House to the left of the Theatre or at the University (Mon to Fri) after 5 pm. There will be a £1 fee (card payment) charged for Sat shows at the ticket machine on the University Car Park on arrival or exit
Coffee Bar/Theatre Bar – Opens 45 minutes prior to performance and may remain open for a limited time following the end of evening performances. Interval drinks may be pre-ordered at the Bar to avoid Interval queues. Alcoholic Drinks are NOT allowed in the Auditorium and must be consumed in the Bar Area. Only water in plastic bottles may be consumed in the Auditorium.
Accessibility: They have designated car parking spaces and level ground-floor access to the foyer and auditorium where wheelchair access is available on Row B.
Assistance Dogs are welcome and there is an Induction Loop provided for hearing impaired patrons.