Bleak Expectations (play)

Bleak Expectations is a comedy play by Mark Evans based on his BBC Radio 4 series of the same name.

Production history

The play made its world premiere at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury, Berkshire directed by Caroline Lesley, running from 27 May until 2 July 2022.
Due to the success of the Watermill production, the play transferred to London's West End at the Criterion Theatre from 3 May 2023. A different guest star appears each week as the narrator, including Tom Allen, Adjoa Andoh, Alexander Armstrong, Julian Clary, Jack Dee, Stephen Fry, Lee Mack, Stephen Mangan, Dermot O'Leary, Sue Perkins, Sally Philips and Nina Wadia. The production was due to run until 3 September, however was announced it would be closing early on 13 August 2023. Hugh Dennis was also announced to replace Jo Brand's run as the narrator.

Cast and characters

Guest stars: Adjoa Andoh, Alexander Armstrong, Craig Ferguson, Dermot O'Leary, Jack Dee, Julian Clary, Lee Mack, Nina Wadia, Robert Lindsay, Sally Phillips, Stephen Fry, Stephen Mangan, Sue Perkins, Tom Allen, Hugh Dennis.