A Christmas Carol

As a pre cursor to the festive period Jarrow M.T.C.got things off to a flying start with their excellent rendition of A Christmas Carol. Adapted by Peter Denyer from perhaps the most famous of Christmas Stories by Charles Dickens the story in part is narrated by Dickens himself and included Christmas music of the period, traditional carols and popular Christmas songs.

It was all brought together and blended seamlessly thanks to the talents of Director Michelle Coulson and Musical Director Freda Carney who were ably assisted by a fine stage and props team and band of musicians. What made it more impressive was that the Company were working in a new theatrical environment whilst their normal venue is being renovated.

The Set and Scenery by Border Studios, the sound, lighting and special effects by Hi Lights  and the Wardrobe by Alan Graham were also of a very high standard and from front of house really complimented the production 

As for the cast of thirty plus they threw everything they had into the performance.They were effervescent,and completely wrapped themselves up in the various characters they were portraying. The singing was super and those with a duplication of supporting roles moved easily from one character to another. 

Notwithstanding these however the Principals deserve special mention. With some twenty three designated Principal roles I cannot mention them all individually but for the production to succeed as a whole everyone of them needed to hit the mark and I am delighted to say they all did. However there were some who deserve a special accolade. In this case I must single out David Bruce as Ebeneezer Scrooge. He really made the part his own and immersed himself  deeply   and delivered a bravo performance displaying  every aspect of human nature and frailty that one comes to expect from the character  David Wilkinson also excelled as Dickens and delivered a powerful and commanding performance whilst Lawrence Clark (Marley's Ghost) played the apparition to perfection,, Michael Hall and Jilliane Reay Hindson were the incarnation of the carefree Mr and Mrs Fezziwig.

Overall it was a treat to see a show performed with such professionalism and enjoyment from the cast.

Councillors comment:
Well done as ever to Jarrow for another thoroughly entertaining afternoon. Well adapted and congratulations to the production team and all cast - great to see so many children involved with the production also

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