Report by: David Richardson on Friday 23 December 2011
Venue: Alnwick Playhouse, Alnwick
Type of Production: Musical
Producer/Director: Lynne Lambert
Musical Director: Peter Brown
Choreographer: Penny Brown
Show Report
The musical ‘Scrooge’ is a perennial favourite for audiences, and the sell-out performances proved its appeal to young and old alike. The colourful opening street scene set the tone of the show, which was well costumed and moved along at a good pace. The scene changes were handled efficiently with cleverly designed trucks and members of the cast who unobtrusively helped to set the varying scenario. The show provides the opportunity for many actors to demonstrate their skills, and all played their parts admirably. David Wilson (Scrooge) was outstanding, giving a sustained characterisation, enhanced by his good singing voice. Harry Clark-Thompson (Tiny Tim) gave a suitably plaintive performance, and the diction in his song was excellent. Ben Kinloch (Topper) is obviously a talented young actor with potential for taking on larger roles in the future, and Hannah Firth (Mary) was so exuberant in leading ‘The Minister’s Cat’ the audience would have joined in given the chance!
There is not the space to mention everyone in the cast but all contributed confidently supporting the action effectively, producing a really good team performance. The large stage was used to good effect with pleasing chorus groupings, the choreography was simple but appropriate and carried out well by the members of the chorus who are also to be congratulated for their hard work throughout. The small musical ensemble was excellent, adding sensitive accompaniment allowing both soloists and chorus numbers to be clearly heard.
All in the production team are to be congratulated on combining their talents; skills and ideas to produce a very good show enjoyed by the capacity audience.
