28 May 2025
Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of love, ambition and the search for belonging comes to the Abbey Theatre next month.
Company of Ten brings Jo Clifford’s fresh adaptation to the Main Stage. The story introduces us to Pip, an orphan living with his sister and her husband in rural Kent. When Pip helps an escaped convict named Magwitch, he unwittingly sets off a chain of events that will change his life forever.
Pip dreams of rising above his humble beginnings and is captivated by the beautiful but cold-hearted Estella, who has been raised by the wealthy and eccentric Miss Havisham. As Pip becomes a gentleman thanks to a mysterious benefactor, he grapples with his desires, social class, and the complexities of love.
Director and designer Martin Goodman said: “Clifford’s adaptation brings new depth to the characters, exploring themes of ambition, vengeance, identity and the impact of your past on the future. We don’t have to look far to find Dickens’ view of Victorian Society in the way his characters in Great Expectations experience the world and the values they uphold.
“Every setting and location is telling in this production, I’ve spent a lot of time in Kent and London, drawing inspiration for the stark visuals which serve as a backdrop to the performances of this wonderful cast.”
Dates and times: Friday–Saturday June 13-21 8pm, Sunday matinée June 15, 2:30pm. To book tickets please go to www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 01727 857861
A fundraising performance of the play in support of The Salvation Army’s local outreach programmes takes place on June 12.
Captain Kenneth Guest, who leads The Salvation Army in Harpenden, said he was delighted the Abbey Theatre and Company of Ten were donating time and money to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s community work, which includes food banks, homelessness support and family services.
He said: “This is a fantastic example of the community coming together to support the people in our community who are most in need. We’re incredibly grateful to the Abbey Theatre and Company of Ten for their generosity and to everyone who buys a ticket for this special evening.”
Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for under 16s. They are available by emailing www.ticketsource.co.uk/thesalvationarmyharpenden or by calling 0333 6664466.
