A Christmas Carol

It was very intriguing on entering the Hall to be greeted by a giant cloth hanging from ceiling to floor, only to find as we were ushered around and guided to our seats that this was actually the backdrop for a cleverly arranged set! 

Everything in the Hall for this production had been reversed to skillfully create a large acting space “in the round”, the stage at the far end providing a “balcony” area, with raised seating, and rows of chairs either side on the flat. 

Using the hall in this way created a generous acting space for the large cast and provided four exits and entrances enabling all the action to flow smoothly and effectively from one scene to the next.

In front of the impressive backdrop, depicting Victorian London in the smog, a platform with a simple desk and a hat stand had been set to represent Scrooge’s office, and with a triangle of fairy-lights overhead, a small band just off USL, the scene was beautifully set for the action to begin.

After an amusing “front-of-house” announcement highlighting a last-minute cast replacement, the lights dimmed and the audience was immediately thrown back in time and into the spirit of Christmas as the cast entered with lanterns to the strains of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and the sound of horses hooves on cobbled streets

From the outset it was clear that Scrooge was not at all popular amongst the townsfolk, in fact he was considered to be a mean, miserable skinflint. As the tale enfolded he was taken on a journey by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, back to his youth and to more frivolous times, forward again to be confronted by the error of his ways, then into the future hopefully to predict what could perhaps make for a happier outcome. All having been eerily forewarned at the start by Marley, his former partner now departed, who made an impressive entrance in a wonderful costume and make-up to the sound of clanking chains!

We were treated to a glimpse of a younger, more carefree Scrooge and Act I ended effectively with a bang as the lights went down cleverly leaving the audience somewhat in suspense!

All the varying scenes were well played and well-choreographed, each with its own colour theme reflected in the costumes. The red and gold waistcoat with the poinsettias was particularly striking and made for a nice touch, the fairy-light cape for the Ghost of Christmas Past was exceptional, and all the costumes were well chosen, suitable for the period and beautifully co-ordinated. 

The trio of musicians provided congenial accompaniment from beginning to end, the singing complemented the action, and the lighting and sound effective throughout.

As said, this was a large cast with a lovely mix of adults and youngsters, all playing several roles and the production very much had a warm ensemble feel. All those changes must have made for an interesting time backstage! 

The youngsters particularly were delightful, some of whom were performing for the first time, and they all entered into the spirit of the piece with confidence and natural reactions, the duet by the young boy and girl was charming.

The central character of Scrooge was well played and believably performed, with the unexpected alternative casting not detracting  from the performance at all – well done.

All of the principals, in addition to covering other parts, were convincing and performed well in their roles, the Fine Lady/Housekeeper made her mark in these two cameos, and the replacement Match Girl was seamless! 

Overall this outstandingly played and thoughtfully directed piece was most definitely a “company” production with all the Players, on stage and behind the scenes, giving their utmost to make an exceptionally enjoyable and memorable evening! 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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