Charles Dickens, who was a populist crowd pleaser, would be proud.

From the street urchins begging from guests at the interval, to the musical score and dashes of slapstick, this Great Expectations musical arrives by way of Little Britain.

Youth Musical Theatre capture the absurd characters - including a stand out Mr Jaggers and a wonderful Miss Havisham - from Dickens' story.

Parts reminded me of the repartee of David Walliams and Matt Lucas as formerly penniless Pip and his friend Herbert Pocket solemnly plan their assault on the high life after a mystery benefactor bestowed riches.

The songs are never as strong as say Les Mis - but at times they are funnier, backed up by good staging. When his cruel sister prowls around the sister with a whacking stick, she gives the chorus of dancers whacks for good measure as they dance by.

The greatest compliment is the movement which keeps the musical numbers from becoming predictable - best done when Pip slowly imperceptibly backs away from Estella as she rejects him until he is far away.

And we get a fiery ending as well in an excellent.

Great Expectations was on at the Rose Theatre from Thursday, August 29 to Sunday, September 1.

Did you see Great Expectations? What did you think?