The Talisman turns to a hilarious priceless parody this August as Dickens meets Monty Python in Bleak Expectations, running from Monday 24 August to Saturday 29 August with each evening performance at 7.30pm.

Adapted and written by Mark Evans as a dramatisation of the first series of the hit BBC Radio 4 comedy, the Talisman brings this delightful comic caper to the stage as part of its eclectic summer programme.

A parody of the works of Charles Dickens deriving its name from Great Expectations and Bleak House, the show takes audiences on a trip back to Victorian England and follows bin inventor Philip Bin and his family and friends escaping the clutches and thwarting the plans of dastardly villain Mr Gently Benevolent and finding their happy ending.

As the familiar Dickensian characters and tropes fill the stage, a comic farce ensues that sees Victorian values hysterically collide with oodles of joyful silliness.

Premiering at the Watermill Theatre in the summer of 2022, the show later went on to transfer to the West End's Criterion Theatre in 2023, to critical acclaim. Such was the show's appeal that beloved comedians such as Julian Clary, Lee Mack, Jack Dee and Stephen Fry all appeared as the character of the Old Pip Bin the Narrator in a revolving door of talented guest cast.

Director Michael Seeley said: "I grew up in a family obsessed with The Goons, Monty Python and even The Goodies, and quickly developed a love of this wonderfully absurd style of comedy, full of silliness, wit and exuberance.

"Bleak Expectations is a more modern take on farce, but it shares that same spirit, with an extraordinary collection of larger-than-life characters and relentless comic energy.

"I hope you enjoy joining Pip Bin on his chaotic journey through Victorian England in search of love, fortune and happiness as we've had an enormous amount of fun bringing this delightfully bonkers world to life."

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The production brings a wonderful host of familiar Talisman faces to the cast, with some even putting on the tall top hats of multiple roles in this character-driven show. Leading the cast are Simon Truscott as Pip Bin, Suneil Bagri as Harry Biscuit, Lauren McCann as Pippa Bin and Graham Buckingham-Underhill as narrator Sir Philip Bin.

The show also gives an assistant director's credit to Maurice Smith, about whom director Michael commented: "Supported by an Assistant Director trained in the art of farce, it has felt like coming home."

So get ready for this fast-paced farce packed with top hats, instantly familiar characters and raucous Dickensian yarns, that will have you rolling in the aisles.

Bleak Expectations runs from Monday 24th to Saturday 29th August at 7.30pm at the Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth.

Tickets are available now from the Talisman Theatre Box Office. Book now online or via the Box Office on 01926 856548.