Jeff Lillico & the cast of Great Expectations, Soulpepper Theatre. Photo Cylla Von Tiedemann

Great Expectations

By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Michael Shamata

Charles Dickens’ classic novel about Pip, a young country boy who becomes a London gentleman, but forgets his friends and values along the way. He eventually discovers that the best of men are not always the highest born. Includes Miss Havisham, Estella, Joe and Herbert Pocket.

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★★★★ Michael Shamata's adaptation of this beloved story does a fine job of bringing Dickens' characters to life for a modern audience.

Theatromania Lauren Gillett
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I’m quite convinced that Shamata is the best thing to ever happen to Charles Dickens.

My Entertainment World
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Shamata knows his Dickens, having previously ghosted a popular and effective Christmas Carol. His approach is both leisurely and inclusive; this production of Great Expectations covers the novel faithfully and runs more than 2 &1/2 hours.

Toronto StarRobert Crew

Production Details

7 Male

3 Female

 Two acts, 135 minutes

By Michael Shamata

Purchase Play Script

Soulpepper's Great Expectations
Young Pip (Jeff Lillico) (Oliver Becker)
Soulpepper's Great Expectations
Jeff Lillico, Paolo Santalucia, CYLLA VON TIEDEMANN PHOTO

Production History

First produced in 1996 at The Grand Theatre, London ON.
 2013 – Soulpepper Theatre Company, Toronto ON.
Published in 1996 – Playwrights Canada Press

Leah Doz & Kate Trotter. Photos Cylla Von Tiedemann

Jeff Lillico & Leah Doz. Photo: Cylla Von Tiedemann

More Plays by Michael Shamata

  • A Christmas Carol

    By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Michael Shamata

  • Great Expectations

    By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Michael Shamata

  • The Secret Garden

    Adapted by Michael Shamata & Paula Wing from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett

  • The Wind in the Willows

    Adapted by Michael Shamata, based on the book by Kenneth Grahame

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