When orphaned urchin Pip Pirrip falls in love with the beautiful but snobbish Estella Havisham, he knows that despite her aggressive disinterest in him, the only thing really standing in his way must be his lack of a fortune. (His best friend Biddy has her doubts). So when he finds out he is to come into GREAT EXPECTATIONS (or, well, moderate ones at least) from an anonymous benefactor, he is overjoyed. However, are his newfound riches worth losing his closest friends and family? Who exactly is this mysterious benefactor? And above all, is Estella really worth the fuss?

With the support of his intimate new friend Herbert and a troupe of Dickensian orphans, Pip must overcome confusing family ties, escaped convicts, alcoholic roommates, horse-based crime, and the enigmatic, sadistic Miss Havisham who still wears the wedding dress from the day she was jilted. With all these obstacles to navigate, it’s no wonder Charles Dickens was paid by the word.

Moderate Expectations is OULES’ newest comedic musical literary adaptation which dares to ask the ultimate question – what if it was gay?