This tale of childhood innocence and cruelty was brought to life in Wilberforce Primary School, Westminster, Snowfield Primary School, Charles Dickens Primary School, and Grange Primary School, Southwark when four Year 5/6 classes took part in the Great Expectations residency. The residency took Unicorn Theatre’s new production of Charles Dickens’s novel Great Expectations, adapted for stage by John Clifford as its starting point.

For four days in each school, children from one class explored in role some of the dilemmas faced by Pip with a team of actors, a musician and Unicorn education staff, which often led to writing 'in role'..

On the fourth day the children presented a ‘sharing’ for the pupils, teachers and family members using elements from the week’s work.  On the final day, each class attended a performance of Great Expectations at the Pleasance Theatre. Immediately after the performance the children met the characters from the play to feedback their opinions about Pip’s choices and expectations.

This project was funded by Pool of London Partnership, North Southwark Education Action Zone and Westminster Arts.