Great Expectations (2013)
A live West End stage capture of Dickens' beloved classic, following orphan Pip's journey through class, ambition, and heartbreak.
Great Expectations - Movie Information
- Original Title: Great Expectations
- Release Year: 2013
- Directed by: Graham McLaren
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 3, 2013 (United Kingdom)
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Great Expectations - Plot
This stunning adaptation of Dickens' classic tale was captured live from the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End. Orphan Pip discovers through lawyer Mr. Jaggers that a mysterious benefactor wishes to ensure that he becomes a gentleman. Reunited with his childhood patron, Miss Havisham, and his first love, the beautiful but emotionally cold Estella, he discovers that the elderly spinster has gone mad from having been left at the altar as a young woman, and has made her charge into a warped, unfeeling heartbreaker.
Great Expectations - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of this atmospheric West End stage production:
Where to Watch Great Expectations
Looking for where to watch Great Expectations?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Great Expectations - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Graham McLaren
Main Cast
- Jack Ellis
- Christopher Ellison
- Paula Wilcox
- Paul Nivison
- Taylor Jay-Davies
- Katie Allen
- Josh Elwell
- Gareth Glen
- Rhys Warrington
Writers
- Jo Clifford
Great Expectations - FAQs
What is Great Expectations (2013) about?
Great Expectations follows young orphan Pip, whose life is upended when a mysterious benefactor arranges for him to become a gentleman. Captured live from London's Vaudeville Theatre, this stage adaptation of Dickens' novel explores class, ambition, and heartbreak through Pip's reunion with the eccentric Miss Havisham and the cold, beautiful Estella.
Is Great Expectations (2013) a stage production recording?
Yes — this version was filmed live at the Vaudeville Theatre in London's West End, making it a theatrical event capture rather than a traditional film. It brings the energy and intimacy of a live stage performance directly to audiences who couldn't attend in person.
Where can you watch Great Expectations (2013)?
You can rent or buy Great Expectations (2013) on Apple TV and Fandango At Home. It's also available to stream for free with ads on Fandango at Home Free, through Hoopla, and on the Plex Channel — so there are plenty of ways to watch without spending a penny.
Who plays Miss Havisham in this production?
Paula Wilcox takes on the iconic role of Miss Havisham — the eccentric, jilted spinster who has frozen her life at the moment she was left at the altar. Wilcox brings a haunting quality to the character, whose obsessive grief shapes Estella into an emotionally cold heartbreaker.
Who are the main cast members in Great Expectations?
The cast features Paul Nivison as adult Pip, Taylor Jay-Davies as young Pip, and Paula Wilcox as Miss Havisham. Jack Ellis plays the formidable lawyer Jaggers, Christopher Ellison portrays the convict Magwitch, and Rhys Warrington rounds out the ensemble as Herbert Pocket.
Who directed Great Expectations (2013)?
Graham McLaren directed this West End stage production. McLaren is known for his inventive theatrical work, and this adaptation — with a script by Jo Clifford — brings a fresh, atmospheric energy to Dickens' beloved story of class, identity, and unrequited love.
Is Great Expectations (2013) worth watching?
If you love Dickens or live theatre, this one is a real treat. The stage capture format preserves the raw energy of a live West End performance, and the cast delivers compelling, nuanced work. It's a thoughtful, atmospheric take on one of literature's most enduring stories of ambition and identity.
What are similar films to Great Expectations (2013)?
Fans of this production might enjoy the 2012 film adaptation of Great Expectations starring Jeremy Irvine, or the classic 1946 David Lean version. Other thematically rich dramas worth exploring include What Maisie Knew (2013) and Come Sunday (2018), both of which share a focus on complex human relationships.
More About Great Expectations
Explore further details about Great Expectations on these trusted resources: