KIRSTY Zane has developed a 60-minute adaptation of the 1861 Charles Dickens’ classic, “Great Expectations”, which as many readers may know, originally ran to more 500 pages.

“‘Great Expectations’ is not as genteel as ‘Pride and Prejudice’ or as wholesome as ‘Little Women’… with characters like the terrifying convict Magwitch, abused orphan Pip, jilted bride Miss Havisham, and her cold ward Estella, it’s a haunting love story and a fierce critique of the classist society Charles Dickens knew,” says Zane.

Director Rhys Hekimian, an actor-director who has returned home to direct the show, says: “‘Great Expectations’ is one of the classic pieces of work by Dickens, however, I do believe in performance circles it is often overlooked.”

In his view, it is a tragedy, full of rich, complex characters who are fighting to change their world and better their lives.

“As a performer, it is the kind of story you crave to be a part of, wanting to dive deeper into the life of your character and bring their tragedy to life,” he says. “Dickens’ work transports you to a world where anything is possible, and the some characters have loveable attributes, while others are more grotesque.”

“Great Expectations”, Belconnen Theatre, September 10-17. As is customary with Budding Theatre productions, a youth cast and an adult cast will each perform five shows.