A Christmas Carol

For the past few years I have watched this society steadily raise the standard of their productions so it was with sadness that, on this occasion, I felt both the direction and the performance level had taken a slight step back. Perhaps it was a little too ambitious with a cast of 40 and a very small stage.  The set was interesting and worked well for the show and the lighting was superb giving the scenes a slightly creepy feeling appropriate to the story line.  Everyone knows the tale of miserly old Scrooge.  I would have liked to see Ian Sheppard play the part with much more confidence and strength whereas he came over as being uncertain of his words.  His nephew, on the other hand, gave an exceptional performance in his all too small a part.  The ghosts were cleverly costumed and very ‘spirit like’ and the late lamented Marley (Simon Vyvyan) looked great in all his chains.  The children got to grips with the story but would have benefited from more general direction especially at the opening which became rather static. The remainder of the principals gave solid performances and the production in general livened up as the show progressed.  I am sure this very capable society will be back up to their usual standard when performing a better script next time round. Their next production, ‘There Goes the Bride’, sounds a better vehicle for their talents.

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