Duration
2 hrs 15 mins with interval
Closing Date
Until September 3, 2023
Age limit
Suitable for 10+
Why Watch Bleak Expectations?
Expect to be thoroughly entertained by the new play Bleak Expectations in London’s West.
Taking Dickens’ tropes to the max, Bleak Expectations is a pastiche of Charles Dickens’ novels, namely Bleak House and Great Expectations.
Featuring beloved faces including Tom Allen, Adjoa Andoh, and Alexander Armstrong this show promises to be hilarious and something you simply cannot miss.
Based on the award-winning Dickensian comedy by Mark Evans, the show is just what the doctor ordered to put you in a good mood. Hurry! Grab your Bleak Expectations tickets now!
Buy your Bleak Expectations tickets now to watch this brilliant new stage adaptation of the award-winning BBC Radio 4 comedy! Charles Dickens, who is regarded by many as the finest author of the Victorian era, produced some of the most well-known fictional characters in the world in more than a dozen significant novels, novellas, and numerous short tales. Mark Evans is the creator of Bleak Expectations. Welsh comedian Mark Evans is also a writer, director, and actor. His most well-known work was for That Mitchell and Webb Sound, a radio program, and That Mitchell and Webb Look, its television adaptation, won numerous awards, including the BAFTA.
Storyline
Embark on a crazy odyssey through Dickens' London with Pip Bin, the young protagonist. Join Pip, an unfortunate half-orphan, incurable romantic, and would-be hero, his sisters Pippa and Poppy, their best buddy Harry Biscuit, and other characters in this journey as they try to escape Mr. Gently Benevolent's evil clutches, beat the unstoppable Hard thrasher twins, and evade danger throughout each moment. Will virtue be able to overcome evil? Can love trump hatred? Book your Bleak Expectations tickets today!
Show timings
- Show timings for Bleak Expectations are subject to change every week/month. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Creator
Mark Evans
The Guest Star Schedule
Nina Wadia (3- 7 May)
Dermot O’Leary (9-14 May)
Sally Philips (16-21 May)
Sue Perkins (30 May - 4 Jun)
Julian Clary (6-11 Jun)
Adjoa Andoh (13-18 Jun)
Lee Mack (27 Jun - 2 Jul)
Stephen Mangan (4-9 Jul)
Jo Brand (11-16 Jul)
Tom Allen (18-23 Jul)
Jack Dee (25 - 30 Jul)
Alexander Armstrong (1-6 Aug)
Stephen Fry (8-13 Aug)
Ben Miller (15-20 Aug)
Nish Kumar (29 Aug - 3 Sep)
Criterion Theatre
The Criterion Theatre is one of the few independent theatres in London’s West End. Actors, directors and producers always love playing the Criterion Theatre. A jewel in Piccadilly, the auditorium curves out in a very intimate manner. Audiences can experience the performers up close and personal in this 150-year-old theater. The Piccadilly Jewel Box has a uniquely magical atmosphere. With the buzzing Piccadilly Circus junction less than a minute away and Central London beckoning, Criterion Theatre is the home of independent productions and unique activity. Both inside and out. Criterion Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting There
- Address: 218-223 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9HR, UK
- By metro:
The nearest tube stations to the theatre are Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.
- By train:
Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly Line and Bakerloo Line) is a minute away from the venue. Trains with codes BDBR, BDVL, FGBN, SHBR, and SHCL stop at the South Brisbane train station.
- By bus:
3, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159, and 453.
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Dining outlets, Cloak room, Toilets, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed
Additional Information
Security: Please be aware that for your comfort and security all audience members will be subject to security checks upon arrival at the Criterion Theatre.
Dress Code: Smart and casual wear or semi-formals are recommended. Keep in mind, that most London theatres are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly.
Outside Food: Most theatres do not allow outside food inside the theatres but most of them also have a café or restaurant inside the premises or nearby.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your Bleak Expectations voucher. Please display the same on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Buy Bleak Expectations tickets online for a hassle-free and convenient experience that ensures the best deals and discounts.
The cost of Bleak Expectations tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose. Click here to know more.
The best way to buy cheap or discounted Bleak Expectations tickets is to book them online as you will often come across attractive discounts. Book your Bleak Expectations tickets in advance as they tend to get more expensive closer to the show date.
You can easily buy last-minute Bleak Expectations tickets online.
Booking Bleak Expectations tickets online will give you the opportunity to select your specific seats, thus, ensuring you do not get stuck with partial view seating. But if you try your luck with lottery tickets, or purchase day seats, your seats will be allocated at the discretion of the Box Office, which can potentially mean partial view seating or split seats.
Bleak Expectations opens on 3 May 2023 at Criterion Theatre.
Bleak Expectations does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 10 and above.
Bleak Expectations is playing at Criterion Theatre in London and opens on 3 May 2023.
The running time of Bleak Expectations is 2 hours and 15 minutes with an interval.
Bleak Expectations is a play about the adventures of Pip Bin and his friends and is inspired by Charles Dickens' works.
The main stars of Bleak Expectations are Tom Allen, Adjoa Andoh, Alexander Armstrong, Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Stephen Fry, Nish Kumar, Lee Mack, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miller and Sue Perkins. The exciting cast of guest stars will each take a turn as the narrator in this show.
There is no specific dress code at West End. However, it is prudent to dress in semi-formals or smart casuals and something comfortable. Carry a light sweater or a jacket as the theatre can get a bit chilly.
No, outside food is not allowed while attending Bleak Expectations. Most theatres do have a cafeteria or bar inside the premises where you can get snacks and drinks.
Criterion Theatre has multiple facilities including wheelchair spaces, bar, and toilets available for the audience during Bleak Expectations.
Photography, videography, and sound recording are prohibited inside the theatre. Some theatres do have a souvenir shop from where you can purchase pictures of stills of the show.
