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Bleak Expectations Tickets

4.5 19 reviews from 19 verified reviews

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Bleak Expectations in London

"A wickedly inventive parody of Victorian melodrama" The Times

Join a medley of much-loved faces including Tom Allen, Adjoa Andoh, Alexander Armstrong, Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Stephen Fry, Nish Kumar, Lee Mack, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miller or Sue Perkins* in this “irresistible”(The Times) stage adaptation of the award-winning BBC Radio 4 comedy series Bleak Expectations. Follow the hilarious misadventures of the young Pip Bin - tragic half orphan, hopeless romantic and would-be-hero - as this glorious Victorian mash-up arrives at the Criterion Theatre for a limited season from the 3 May.

*Not all at the same time, obviously, that would be ridiculous**

Bleak Expectations is the riotous story that Charles Dickens might havewritten after drinking too much gin. Follow Pip’s extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy plus best friend Harry Biscuit as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings, and deflect disaster at every turn!

Will evil be vanquished by virtue? Can love triumph over hate? Escape with this joyfully anarchic comedy featuring barbarous boarding schools, contemptible conspiracies, roaring romances, devilish disguises, and definitely, probably, hopefully, a happy ending!

Please see website for announced cast members and their individual performance dates.

Bleak Expectations Official Theatre Tickets

Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Criterion Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for Bleak Expectations tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for Bleak Expectations has never been easier.

Bleak Expectations Ticket Information

Booking until:

Sunday, 3 September 2023
Running time:

2 hours 15 minutes (inc. interval)
Age restrictions
10+. Guidance on Content: This performance uses prop guns and contains loud noises, haze and at points flashes of light.
Important Information
10+. Guidance on Content: This performance uses prop guns and contains loud noises, haze and at points flashes of light.

We cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist at any performance, as this is subject to a variety of factors beyond the producers’ control. No refunds or exchanges will be offered due an artist’s unavailability to perform.
Cancellations & Refunds
Once booked, tickets to Bleak Expectations are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.

Bleak Expectations cheap tickets

We have a great selection of cheap Bleak Expectations tickets. We can help you save up to 70% on Bleak Expectations tickets! If you're looking for discount theatre tickets have a look below for our latest offers for Bleak Expectations at the Criterion Theatre.

There are no special offers available at the moment but we still have great ticket prices for Bleak Expectations at the Criterion Theatre.

Bleak Expectations reviews

4.5 out of 5 19 reviews

What to expect:

Acting
Music
Costumes
Story
Lighting

Recommended for:
Teenagers (89%)
Couples (89%)
Theatregoers (89%)

Press Reviews

"Zany Dickensian-inspired mayhem has landed at Piccadilly Circus in the form of a period farce with more Charles Dickens references than you could feasibly shake an ebony silver-topped cane at"

Read the full review by Stuart King »

Latest customer reviews

All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing Bleak Expectations.

Please note the reviews below are from an old production of Bleak Expectations.

verified

Bleak Expectations

Not so BLEAK funny great acting full of energy and good for all ages above 7years old. Hopefully the show will be repeated by popular demand. Many friends missed the show due to someone cutting the weeks viewing SHORT. Shame on whoever made the decision.

H Reviewed on 14 August 2023 by Hilary
Bury St Edmunds, United Kingdom

verified

Really funny

V Reviewed on 10 August 2023 by Victor
Barcelona, Spain

verified

Clever and very funny

P Reviewed on 06 August 2023 by Paul
East Barnet, United Kingdom

verified

A total waste of time

D Reviewed on 05 August 2023 by Dean
Oxford, United Kingdom

verified

Highly recommended

R Reviewed on 03 August 2023 by Ruth
London, United Kingdom

verified

Life affirming and full of fun!

Fantastic acting, excellent stage set and funny script. Whole family (children aged 12, 14 and 16) enjoyed it. Bravo!

S Reviewed on 25 July 2023 by Sharon
Bedford, United Kingdom

verified

So much fun

This play grabs you right from the start. Pace, timing and clarity of diction second to none. In parts spontaneous, and at our show the audience participation was warming.

C Reviewed on 06 July 2023 by Claire
Harrow, United Kingdom

verified

Excellent

Good fun

K Reviewed on 03 July 2023 by Kerry
London, United Kingdom

verified

Nothing "Bleak" about this show!

A brilliant show.....entertaining and fun throughout. Don't think that you need to have read Dickens' novels to enjoy it! It is enjoyable in its own right, with the added "Twist" of scenes from ........anywhere!

C Reviewed on 29 June 2023 by Catherine
Liverpool, United Kingdom

verified

Great fun

Really enjoyed the show. I'm quite hard of hearing, so I missed a few lines that went down well with everyone else, and I confess I haven't read all Dickens' books, so I probably missed a few references - but they're was more than enough for a great night at the theatre.

A Reviewed on 21 June 2023 by Andrew
Canterbury, United Kingdom

verified

Lemony Snicket meets Charles Dickens

Humorous, in a slightly overblown but not quite slapstick way. Lots of wink, wink jokes about British male sexuality and the lack of anything resembling women’s rights. It’s not deep or philosophical, but it is overall a bit of a lighthearted romp through 19th century mores and behavior.

L Reviewed on 12 June 2023 by Lauren
Olney, United States Of America

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A really good laugh

M Reviewed on 07 June 2023 by Mathew
Alderholt, United Kingdom

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Corny farce

P Reviewed on 18 May 2023 by Peter
Clifton Hill, Australia

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5 Stars

I had a fantastic time & at my favourite Theatre

N Reviewed on 12 May 2023 by Natalie
St Neots, United Kingdom

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Loved this!

Booked these tickets last minute and so so glad we did. It was hilarious and the cast were just fabulous and engaging. I loved this, congratulations to everyone, an utter joy!

C Reviewed on 06 May 2023 by Ciara
Dungannon, United Kingdom

26 Jul
2023

July Monthly Roundup

by Emmie Newitt | Wednesday, July 26 2023, 13:56

Summer has kicked off in style with the announcement of exciting new shows and inspiring cast confirmations. Here, we review some of the hottest productions in the West End.

July Monthly Roundup

20 Jun
2023