Darlington has Great Expectations for theatre production (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Darlington has Great Expectations for theatre production

4:13pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News By Vicki Henderson, Darlington reporter

THE cast of a stage adaptation of one of Charles Dickens' most famous novels have gathered ahead of the opening night at one of the region’s theatres.

Great Expectations, a touring production staged as part of the bicentenary celebrations of Dickens’ birth, will open at Darlington Civic Theatre tonight (TUES, OCT 16) until Saturday (Oct 20).

The play features some of the author's greatest characters, including the mysterious Miss Havisham, played by Paula Wilcox, and the convict Magwitch, played by Chris Ellison from The Bill.

The touring production was adapted for the stage by Jo Clifford and is directed and co-designed by Graham McLaren, and is being performed in Darlington ahead of its transfer to the West End.

The show will be performed every night at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2pm on Thursday and 2.30pm on Saturday.

Charles Dickens’ great, great, great granddaughter, Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, will deliver a pre-show talk at the theatre ahead of Thursday’s matinee, between 11.30am and 12.30pm. Places are limited and must be booked in advance.

There will also be an open morning for Great Expectations on Saturday at 10.30am. Tickets for the event are free, and are available from the theatre box office on 01325-486555 priced between £17.50 and £26.50.