A new adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale, Great Expectations is coming to the famous author’s hometown of Portsmouth this week as it opens at the historic New Theatre Royal.

From the producers who delighted New Theatre Royal’s audiences with Travels with my Aunt in 2015, this powerful new stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic will take to the stage from tomorrow until Saturday May 26.

Nichola McAuliffe will take the role of Miss Havisham in the production by Ken Bentley, directed by Sophie Boyce Couzens and designed by James Turner. Olivier Award-winning actress Nichola McAuliffe is best known for her role in the long-running TV series Surgical Spirit, the films Tomorrow Never Dies and Chéri and for her many stage appearances including Kiss Me Kate for the RSC, The Night of the Iguana in the West End and Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van.

The cast also includes Séan Aydon (Pip), Isla Carter (Estella), Edward Ferrow (Joe Gargery) and Richard Earl (Jaggers/Pumblechook).

Following a terrifying encounter with an escaped convict, young Pip is given an unexpected chance to better himself by visiting the reclusive and mysterious Miss Havisham. In the decaying grandeur of her house, Pip falls in love with Estella and helped by an anonymous benefactor, he moves to the bustling city to pursue his dream of winning Estella’s heart and becoming part of the educated elite.

Peopled by some of Dickens’ most colourful and memorable characters and painted in rich, vivid colour this new production promises a powerful and theatrical telling of Dicken’s universally loved masterpiece.

A limited number of £10 tickets are available for those aged under 25.For more information visit www.newtheatreroyal.com or call the box office on 023 9264 9000 to book your tickets.