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The literary classic of Charles Dickens’ novel GREAT EXPECTATIONS was adapted, in 1984, in the US into a Musical – original music by David Coons and lyrics by Karen Coons.  Ruby Productions of Penrith have performed this epic moral tale of Dickens as a vigorous Gothic but very entertaining musical. 

In the dramatically eerie opening scene Pip a seven year old orphan visits his parent’s gravestones. Pip is startled by a convict escapee who seems to rise from behind the swirling mist of the gravestones.  Magwitch by way of introduction warns Pip to bring him files from the forge and vittels – or else over there in the marshes is another wretched convict who thrives on the hearts and livers of young lads like Pip. The ravenous Magwitch clad in filthy rags shambling along in leg irons is like a demon who devours Pip’s vulnerable young soul. So Pip finds himself in a quandary – an intense fear of Magwitch but also developing empathy and sympathy for his terrible predicament. In scene three Pip returns and delivers Magwitch some bread that he gobbles and a flask of brandy that he skulls.

The young orphaned Pip is ‘taken in’ by the Blacksmith Joe Gargery and his wife. Pip is Mrs. Joe Gargery’s younger brother and Mrs. Joe resents the burden of having to rear young Pip.  However Joe is kind to Pip and takes some of the blows aimed at Pip by Mrs Joe. Pip and Joe form a strong bond and often celebrate this by singing ‘their best of friend’s song.’  Mrs Joe gives Pip a dose of foul tar-water – some of the audience wince when this medieval medicine is administered. Hulk prison ships are moored across the marshes near the Thames.  Shots can be heard from the Gargery’s forge – when the soldiers raise the alarm for escaped convicts.  Magwitch and Compeyson are re-captured. 

Scene 5 we are introduced to the bitter and dishevelled  Miss Havisham. Her house is dank and a disintegrated 3 tier wedding cake on an askew stand and clock hands frozen in time when Miss Havisham was jilted at the altar. Pip walks into this Gothic horror room and Miss Havisham demands he play cards with Estella – the pretty young adoptee of Miss Havisham.  Pip only knows how to play ‘beggar my neighbour’. Miss Havisham puts a strand of pearls around Estella’s neck as she grooms her to inflict cruelty on men by proxy. 

Mr Jaggers a lawyer from London declares that Pip is a young fellow with ‘Great Expectations’ . Mr Jaggers discloses that Pip’s Benefactor has stipulated that he must use his title name as ‘Pip.’  Miss Havisham appears to play close attention to these details.  Pip is to take lodgings in London with Herbert Pocket. The aim of this London soiree is for Pip to become a gentleman.  To this end Pip is tailored in a gentleman’s outfit – a sharp suit, with neatly appointed hankey in pocket and flower-lapel, with suitable luggage accoutrements – a pigskin gladestone bag and grand top-hat box.

At Pip’s grand fine dining celebration of his 21st Jaggers advises Pip to be more frugal.  

The moral theme/lesson of GREAT EXPECTATIONS is that trust, loyalty, affection  and conscience are more important than social climbing, wealth and class. The main dramatic conflict is Pip’s keen aspiration to re-vitalize his orphaned identity and ascend to the rank of gentleman.  Linda Holland  was the multi-tasking, multi-talented Director, Music Director, and Sound Director.

Costume Design by Leone Sharp paid great attention to period detail. All of the Cast and Crew of Ruby Productions have presented Great Expectations – the musical – with great commitment and enthusiasm.  Plays 18th March 2pm & 7pm at the John Lees Centre 15 Evan Street Penrith.]

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