A century-and-a-half after it was first published as a weekly serial, one of Charles Dickens' most famous novels is returning to the UK stage as part of celebrations to mark 200 years since the author's birth. Great Expectations has also given literature one of its greatest characters; the withered and darkly enigmatic spinster Miss Havisham.

The new production sees actress Paula Wilcox take on the iconic role. Best known for her television career in the seventies and eighties, Wilcox will be supported by clutch of instantly recognisable faces as Chris Ellison (the Bill's legendary DI Burnside) plays the convict Magwitch and Jack Ellis (Coronation Street, Bad Girls) stars as the lawyer Jaggers.

The tale of young Pip and his mysterious benefactor, Miss Havisham's questionable agenda and the classic Victorian motifs of poverty, redemption, class, love and death, all combined with Dickens' wonderful ability for drawing colourful characters makes for a compelling end product. And then there's the great writer's knack for coining memorable names such as Pip Pirrip, Abel Magwitch and, of course, Uncle Pumblechook. It all sounds very inviting; a warming winter broth of a play.

Jo Clifford's adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations premieres at the Richmond Theatre on 12th September, followed by runs at Woking's New Victoria Theatre (18th to 22nd September), the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham (9th to 13th October) and the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (30th October to 3rd November).

We have a selection of tickets available now, priced from £10 to £35, depending on venue.