BLEAK EXPECTATIONS by MARK EVANS, directed by Scott Fenney
Readthrough and Auditions:
Scott will be hosting a readthrough on the July clubnight, Monday 14th July 2025 at 1930h in the club rooms. Could anyone who has taken a script to read either return it before then or bring it with them on the night please.
Auditions will take place on Friday 18th July with a provisional date of Monday 28th July set aside for further auditions if required. Please contact Scott at fenneyefc@googlemail.com to arrange an audition date if you can’t attend either of these sessions or for an informal chat.
Production dates are Wed 5 - Sat 8 November 2025.
CHARACTERS
SIR PHILIP BIN: The narrator and the future version of the protagonist of the play is Sir Philip recounting the memories which are played out for all. Playing age should be an older gentleman, probably 55/60 plus. Mainly sat down front of stage.
PIP BIN: The protagonist, on for the whole of the play so a demanding role. We follow Pip’s adventures as he turns 18. Playing age should be youthful but character age can be aged up if required.
PIPPA: Pip's younger sister, on stage for over half of the play. Playing age should be youthful but character age can be aged up if required.
POPPY: Pip's younger sister, on stage for first act only. Playing age should be youthful but character age can be aged up. Likely to double up with Ripely, but can be not doubled if needed; if so, distinct accents will be required to differentiate.
THOMAS BIN: Pip's father, on stage early on but sporadic after that - likely to double up with Bakewell Havertwitch. Playing age c.40.
AGNES BIN: Pip's mother, playing age of c40, acting age can be older - on frequently at the start and towards the end, so scope to double up with Flora if required.
SKINFLINT PARSIMONIOUS: Pickwickian businessman, the kindest man in the world - on early but then not much after that, very likely to double up with Harry Biscuit. Playing age will be older, but will be made up to look older, so a younger actor needed.
GENTLY BENEVOLENT: Pip's arch nemesis throughout the play, playing age of c40 but actor age can be higher. On stage for roughly 50% of the play - must be comfortable doing varying accents including a convincing southern U.S accent.
BAKEWELL HAVERTWITCH: An escaped convict who helps Pip early on - is seen again later on in the play, but not between so likely to double up this role with Thomas Bin.
HARRY BISCUIT: Pip's best friend, same age, so a youthful character - on for approx 60% of the play - will likely double up with Skinflint Parsimonious.
HEADMASTER WACKWELL HARDTHRASHER: The first Hardthrasher sibling we see, headmaster of St Bastards boarding school - to be played by a male c50. and will play all four siblings.
REVEREND PRAYGOOD HARDTHRASHER: Second Hardthrasher sibling, officiates a wedding.
MISS CHASTITY HARDTHRASHER: Third Hardthrasher sibling, lady in charge of Flora Dies-Early.
JUDGE SOLOMON HARDTHRASHER: Final sibling we see, judges Pip Bin's courtroom trial.
FLORA DIES-EARLY: Pip's love interest towards the end of the play, only on for a couple of scenes and minimal speech. Potentially double up with Agnes Bin or one of the extras/backstage crew.
BROADLY FECUND: Small male role, start of act 2, houses Pip for a short while - likely double up with Thomas Bin or one of the extras/backstage crew- playing age c40.
RIPELY FECUND: Daughter of Broadly who takes a shine to Pip - act 2 only so likely to double up with Poppy, but not essential - can be its own role. Playing age youthful, acting age up to c40.
Also needed will be 3 males and 2 females to do the extra (generally no / minimal speaking) characters and backstage.