Bleak Expectations

If you are looking for something to do on May 7, 2026, the Newman College Drama Academy is bringing their production of Bleak Expectations to the Brighton Open Air Theatre. This play, written by Mark Evans, is based on the BBC Radio 4 series that many might recognise. It is the academy’s fifth annual production at the BOAT, which is tucked away in Dyke Road Park. The venue itself is a 400-seat open-air space, situated near the Booth Museum of Natural History and St. Peter’s Church, offering a different atmosphere compared to the city’s indoor theatres.

The story follows the orphan Pip, his sisters Pippa and Poppy, and his friend Harry Biscuit. They spend the play navigating the schemes of the villainous Mr Gently Benevolent and the Hardthrasher brothers. It is a comedic take on classic literature tropes, featuring the kind of chaotic plot twists and rapid-fire dialogue that defined the original radio show. Since it is rated for ages 6 and up, it is accessible for a wide range of people, whether you are going with family or just want to see a local theatre group take on a well-known script. The play originally premiered at The Watermill Theatre in 2022 before moving to the Criterion Theatre in the West End, so it is interesting to see how a local academy interprets the material.

The performance schedule for that Thursday includes two sessions: one at 14:00 and another at 19:00. The gates at the theatre open an hour before each show starts, giving you time to settle in before the performance begins. Tickets are priced at £10.00 for adults, with a concession rate of £8.00 available for those who qualify. Because the venue is entirely outdoors, it is worth planning your visit around the weather and the park setting. It is a straightforward way to spend an afternoon or evening in the park, and the setup at Dyke Road Park makes for a fairly relaxed environment for a theatre production.