Life Size Toy Theatre for GREAT EXPECTATIONS Set for WEST END LIVE this Weekend

Beckman Unicorn, the producers of the new stage adaptation of Great Expectations, which has just announced a UK Tour prior to London's West End, have created the first ever Toy Theatre version of the classic novel as part of the international celebrations of the Charles Dickens bicentenary, and a life-size version of it will be on display at West End Live in Trafalgar Square this weekend, 23-24 June.

With beautiful original illustrations by Robin Peoples, the pop-out book publication also contains a simple script adaptation allowing children and adults alike to create their own theatre productions. The Toy Theatre has been developed in partnership with Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop in Covent Garden.

The life-size version of the Toy Theatre will be in the Pollock's Tent at West End Live and children will be able to be photographed within the theatre.

At West End Live, the producers are also offering a sneak preview of the Great Expectations iPad App, in conjunction with Pollock's Toyshop.

The iPad App has been developed in conjunction with Zuztertu - the £2.99 App is interactive and allows users to create their own versions of the story with a range of characters and a range of set designs. Working in 3D, the user can move the characters around in a 'real' space; they can also record and store their personal projects so they can show off their creativity to their family and friends!

The national tour of Great Expectations opens at the Richmond Theatre on 13 September, and stars Jack Ellis as Jaggers, Chris Ellison as Magwitch, and Paul Nivison as Adult Pip, with Paula Wilcox as Miss Havisham. Dickens's novel has been adapted for the stage by Jo Clifford and the production will be directed and co-designed by Graham McLaren.

Giovanni Bedin for House of Worth will be creating the couture elements of the show, including Miss Havisham's wedding dress.

For more information, please visit www.greatexpectationstheplay.com.