Stars arrive with Great Expectations (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Stars arrive with Great Expectations

10:25am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

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, opened at Darlington Civic Theatre last night and runs until Saturday.

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, of police drama 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 tomorrow 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.

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