Bronwyn Fullerton

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Shannon Ashlyn (Estelle), Patrick Sherwood (Pip) and Jacki Mison (Miss Havisham). Pic Ross Langley

For those who don’t know much about Charles Dickens, here is your chance for a great insight into his wonderful writing and storytelling. For those who know and love him, this is a performance definitely worth seeing.

This lively production of GREAT EXPECTATIONS, Dickens’ 13th novel, first published in 1860, has been adapted by the UK’s Nick Ormerod and Declan Donnellan, and was originally commissioned for the Royal Shakespeare Company in London.

Presented by Bakehouse Theatre Company – the production is part of the ATYP (Australian Theatre for Young People) ‘Under The Wharf’ season. Director John Harrison has created an Ensemble cast that are, without exception, brimming with enthusiasm, sharp timing, humour, colourful accents (to the credit of Carmen Lysiak – Voice Coach) and fluid, entertaining choreography (Johanna Puglisi – Movement coach).

This cosy and comfortable theatre, Studio 1, is perfect for the intimacy that the actors, (who are onstage together throughout the play), create, either by contacting the audience directly or drawing the audience into the action. The actors move between characters with ease and little confusion, helped by the effective, simple set design (Sean Minahan).

The major characters take us through Dickens’ intriguing and unexpected tale. They include the capricious Miss Havisham (Jacki Mison, portrayed more as a gothic Tim Burton creation, than elderly and grey) and her adopted daughter, the beautiful and commanding Estella. The young, naïve Pip (Callum McManis) and the endearing older Pip (Patrick Sherwood) who bring compassion as the protagonists.

Pip’s thoughts are chorused by the supporting cast, which works exceedingly well. The flamboyant Mr Jaggers (Jim McCrudden), the warm, witty Herbert (Stephen Lloyd-Coombs), the multi-faceted Magwitch (Daniel Hunter) and the other wonderful characters/actors I haven’t mentioned here all help to bring about the emerging Dickensian themes of wealth and poverty, love and rejection and triumph of good over evil.

An entertaining celebration of the magic of Charles Dickens, Bakehouse Theatre Company’s production of GREAT EXPECTATIONS opened at the ATYP Studio 1, The Wharf, Pier 4/5, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay on Friday November 2 and plays until Saturday 17th November, 2012.

© Bronwyn Fullerton

5th November, 2012

Tags; Sydney Theatre Reviews- GREAT EXPECTATIONS, Charles Dickens, Bakehouse Theatre Company, Nick Ormerod, Declan Donnellan, Carmen Lysiak, John Harrison, Johanna Puglisi, Sean Minahan, Jacki Mison, Callum McManus, Patrick Sherwood, Jim McCrudden, Stephen Lloyd-Coombs, Daniel Hunter, Sydney Arts Guide, Bronwyn Fullerton.

Published by Bronwyn Fullerton

Bronwyn Fullerton worked as an actress and singer for over 20 years after training with Hayes Gordon at The Ensemble Theatre Studios in Sydney in the 70s. She has worked for The Ensemble Theatre, Stables Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival, Theatre-in-Education touring, Rocks Theatre at The Sailor’s Home, Balmain Loft, North Coast Theatre Co., Giniby Theatre Co., Bondi Pavilion Theatre and two years with the Marionette Theatre of Australia, including a tour from Alice Springs to Arnhem Land. As well as Film and Television (Chopper Squad) and Voice Overs, Bronwyn worked for the Gate Theatre Club in London and studied mime in Paris. She now teaches ESL English to foreign students and completed a Post-Grad in Film & Video at UTS in 2009/10.