“Great Expectations”
Blewbury Garden Theatre, 18-22 July, 2017
The Blewbury Players have performed over forty years of productions at Orchard Dene and their latest production, “Great Expectations”, was recently enjoyed by the group. Not only were we treated to Malcolm Wright’s accomplished portrayal of Pumblechook but we were also able to pay a silent tribute to Irene Timblick, a theatre club enthusiast who would surely have revelled in Dickens’s novel being brought to life in the charming open air theatre.
We were lucky; we had picked a dry evening but, goodness me, it was cold. While the audience huddled in rugs, there was plenty of action on stage to keep us locked into the story of lost hopes and broken hearts. Experienced actors played alongside novices of all ages, supported by the dedicated crew and all passionate about delivering community theatre.
Many readers will know the story well but for me, Miss Havisham’s bitterness was in stark contrast to Pip’s never-ending charitable nature and I found her death in the fire, a sad ending to an even sadder life. The dark and gloomy mood of the tale was lightened by Dickens himself being brought forward like a chorus figure, using his wit and impish genius, to envelop us. The cold evening needed a warm and happy ending and we got one, with Pip and Estella planning their future together. Luckily for me, my lift home had a car with heated seats – perfect!
Rosemary de Wilde