With eerie music wafting through the hall, cobwebbed furniture scattered everywhere and a giant rat-infested wedding cake perched on the table, the stage was set this week for an unusual retelling at LOGS of Dickens’ classic Great Expectations.

Our head of drama Mr Lawrence cleverly chose Jo Clifford’s play based on the novel for the school’s 2023 production and the result was an atmospheric piece which saw the grown up Pip recalling his dramatic childhood and life transformation thanks to an anonymous benefactor. The stage was peopled by ghosts of the characters who had shaped his life and we were treated to some beautiful performances from the actors.

It was fantastic to see so many pupils get a chance to take part, with casts in different performances switching actors in and out and huge congratulations go to everyone who worked so hard to pull off such a memorable show.

George Clark’s version of the convict Magwitch was mesmerising (we saw young ones in the audience transfixed by his menacing words) while both Miss Havishams (Lila Meiland and Kaya Rogers), their birdsnest hairdos tottering above them, presented elegant decay with aplomb.

Freddie Wallis’ playful and rambunctious Mr Wopsle was a lot of fun to watch and both Reuben Jones and Mila Boldon executed the role of lawyer Jaggers – with all his pompous legal talk – dexterously.

Finally, young Pip, older Pip and adult Pip, played by Raphi Phag-Udom, Archie Habib and Will Morley respectively, were really impressive, cohesively pulling the show together and letting all the characters around them shine.

A mention to the crew too, who created the set, sound, lighting, consume and make-up to such a wonderful standard and also to all the helpers for the bar, backstage assistance and ticket sales.