Interview: Actor Dom Hodson on BLEAK EXPECTATIONS at The Watermill
The world premiere of Bleak Expectations, a new stage adaptation of the award-winning hit BBC Radio 4 comedy written by Mark Evans and directed by Caroline Leslie, opens at The Watermill from 27 May.
Prior to the show opening, we caught up with Dom Hodson who plays Pip Bin in this production.
How have you found the process of taking a character from a radio piece and adapting them on a stage?
The radio series relied (obviously!) on a lot of audio gags, whereas we have to transfer the material into three (or even four!) D, making sure not to lose any of the pace and wonderful silliness of the original radio series. A lot of the action is very physical – with several fights (including one with a bin, one with a cannon, and one with a sourdough sword…), and numerous locations and costume changes – so lots of running around for all the cast!
How would you describe Bleak Expectations? What can audiences expect?
Bleak Expectations is a very silly comedy, lovingly poking fun at Dickens, Dickensian-tropes, and the era is general. It’s a whirlwind of a story which sees an idyllic childhood torn asunder (and eventually patched-up) via evil boarding schools (St Bastards!), swordfights in churchyards, and inventing the bin in Victorian London… The host of characters is as ridiculous as it sounds; with best friend Harry Biscuit (who’s father invented the biscuit), convict Bakewell Havertwitch (who doesn’t have a twitch, but does bake well), and first love Flora Dies-Early (you can probably guess what happens to her…). The audience can expect a lot of laughs, and maybe some heartfelt moments too. With the world as it is, it should provide a wonderful escape for a couple of hours…
How have rehearsals been going?
Well thanks, we’re having a lot of fun – I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much in a rehearsal room. It’s a very creative team, with lots of bonkers ideas flying around and lots of invention. If the amount of fun we are having can come across to the audience, that would be very rewarding.
Have you made any alterations to your character to make it your own?
I’m following the mighty footsteps of Tom Allen who played the role in the radio series, so am trying to put my own stamp on it. Tom is fantastic at the dry, sardonic undercut, whereas I’m trying to lean into Pip’s naivety a bit more.
Tell us about your character, Pip.
Pip is an eternal optimist - although very naïve (to the point of ignorance)! His heart is very much in the right place and he has a boundless energy and drive to save his family and friends.
Do you think those who have listened to the play on the radio will enjoy it as much on stage?
Absolutely, the show is very faithful to the radio series - which was so widely and deservedly acclaimed– and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Although hopefully we are adding numerous elements by lifting the radio show into the realms of the physical…
Are there any future projects you are looking forward to?
Bleak Expectations taking over the world – West End then Broadway. If it’s the other way round, that would be fine too.
Bleak Expectations plays at the Watermill from 27 May-2 July, with tickets available here.