CHARLES Dickens’ classic tale of destiny, desire and duplicity, Great Expectations, will be brought to life on stage at Ramsden Memorial Hall on Friday.

The Rain or Shine Theatre Company are performing a new adaptation by James Reynard of the Victorian writer’s novel, which has entranced readers for more than 150 years.

The coming of age tale is a ‘who is it’, rather than a ‘who-dunnit’, as a mysterious benefactor funds orphan Pip’s path to become a gentleman.

The ‘suspects’ include Magwitch, the escaped convict he meets on Christmas Eve, kindly blacksmith Joe Gargery, eternal bride Miss Havisham and uncompromising lawyer, Mr Jaggers.

With the boundaries of good and evil blurred, Pip has to learn who his friend is and who his foe is.

Doors open at the Memorial Hall, in High Street at 7pm, with the play starting at 7.30pm. Supper will be served in the interval. Tickets, priced £15, including supper, can be booked by calling Ian Walton on 01993 868222.

  • The company will also perform the play at Sibford Village Hall, in Sibford Gower, between Chipping Norton and Banbury, on Saturday, at 7pm. Tickets for this performance are priced £10 for adults, £6 for under-15s and £28 for a family of two adults and two children. To book, call 03306 600541.