A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol is probably one of the most often adapted of Charles Dickens’ works, and almost defines the modern Christmas, with its messages of redemption and peace and goodwill to all. Writer and Director Nick Scovell has taken the standard text, given it a good shake up, let a lot of the more mawkish bits drop out and introduced a lot of wit and whimsy, while weaving in some favourite Christmas songs. The result is a delightful introduction to the festive season.

We were greeted by a nearly empty black box stage, with just Scrooge’s fireplace and armchair all the set we needed. Marina Voak ensured that the cast were beautifully costumed, appropriately for the period; the outfits for Scrooge, Marley and the three ghosts being particularly effective. Lighting and sound were good too, creating a nice atmosphere and ensuring every word could be heard clearly.

Graeme Clements made the perfect Scrooge, as curmudgeonly, mean and irascible as we would expect, but never taking it too far, so that his transformation at the end into everyone’s favourite fun-loving uncle was still believable. Tristan Redwood provided a good contrast as his loyal and hardworking – but not too humble - clerk, Bob Cratchit, while Zara Newbury-Skinner was beautifully upbeat and welcoming as his niece Mary Nibbles. Which prompts me to say how delightful I found the names of the characters that Scovell has introduced, particularly Mrs Arduous Milldrip. A name worthy of Dickens himself!

Roger Trencher gave a commanding performance as the ghost of Jacob Marley and Jackie Margison was softly spoken and fluid in her movements as the Ghost of Christmas Past, allowing Scrooge to examine his memories and understand himself better. Jonny White was an avuncular giant of a Ghost of Christmas Present, clad in green robes with apparently bottomless pockets. Grace Campbell made a remarkably frightening Ghost of Christmas Future, dressed as the Grim Reaper foretelling Scrooge’s imminent death, mourned by no-one. I must compliment Marina Voak as the Beggar with attitude – marvellous!

The songs chosen blended very well into the story and, as I have come to expect, the standard of singing was top-notch from soloists and chorus alike, with some lovely harmonies. Soloists Hannah Edwins and Isabelle Parsons: your voices were a delight to listen to!  

Sarah Dawkins’ clever and energetic choreography was well executed and somehow managed to fit the huge cast onto the tiny stage without any mishaps! Musical Director Ben Lister, sitting on stage with his keyboard, provided amusing linking narration between the scenes and accompanied some of the songs; good quality tracks being used for the others. My favourite was “Whatever You Believe”, a song new to me, but beautifully rendered by the Ghosts, with backing from the chorus.

How refreshing it was to see a musical adaptation of Dickens’ Christmas Carol that avoids the cloying sentimentality of the original and introduces a lot of wit and absurdity without altering the underlying messages. Well done Nick Scovell for writing it and Fareham Musical Society for bringing it to the stage so delightfully. A great start to the Christmas season.

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