A Christmas Carol

Can there be anything more festive and uplifting 2 days before Christmas than watching a
wonderful production of Charles Dickens’s classic, A Christmas Carol? Well, that’s what we had
the pleasure of doing this year thanks to Burley Theatre Group.
I think we’re all familiar with the story of Ebenezeer Scrooge and his rehabilitation from miser to
benefactor, but this version, adapted for the stage by Michael Marrone, took the story to a whole
new level with it’s mix of drama, song and dance. And Burley excelled at all three.
It was obvious from the opening carol this was going to be something special. Subsequent scene
changes also featured a much loved carol, beautifully harmonized, with simple but highly effective
accompaniment from Tony Clegg, on guitar, and Clare Richards, on violin. I have to make a
special mention of the stunning acapella version of Gaudete, led by Lauren Varley.
As the Chair of the Society points out in the programme, this play requires a large cast including
many characters who make a brief appearance, never to be seen again. It was a delight to see
many of the Burley regulars on stage, along with many new, and talented, newcomers, including
many youngsters. The large cast – far too many to name individually I’m afraid, so sincere
apologies, embraced the Dickensian spirit with a determination to educate and entertain in equal
measure, with Dickens’ charitable message coming across loud and clear.
Leading the cast, as Ebeneezer Scrooge, was Burley stalwart, John Wise. John immersed himself
in his character from his first appearance, taking full advantage and extracting every mood to the
last detail of this controversial character. Damian Burras revelled in the role of Jacob Marley, with
his clinking chains and ghostly look, and at this point I should congratulate the makeup team (Stephanie Maston) for the expertise and detail in creating the ghostly Marley, as well as many other characters.
The heart of the story is the visitation of the three ghosts, Past, Present and Future and their
attempt to show Scrooge the error of his ways. Lauren Varley, as the Ghost of Christmas past, was
a delight, as always, looking and sounding lovely in her ethereal white dress. The Ghost of
Christmas present, Kathy Jackman, was a jolly avuncular ghost, clad in green robes, like the
original Santa Claus. Ceris Manger made a remarkably frightening Ghost of Christmas Future,
dressed as the Grim Reaper, without even saying a word. Her beautiful spiritual dance was a joy,
as well as her earlier tap dance.
The Cratchit family excelled in combining tragedy with comedy as they gathered for Christmas
dinner, in the most poignant scene of the show, due in no small part to a very forthright Mrs
Cratchit, played by Sarah Tallant. One couldn’t help but feel sorry for poor Bob Cratchit, played
with delightful charm by Michael Scott, making his first appearance with the Society.
Congratulations to the children of the family – Belinda (Olivia Higgins-Padden), Martha (Nell
Quinton), Peter (Stan Scott) and , last but not least Tiny Tim (Elsie Wood) who stole all our hearts.
Many congratulations to the rest of the cast for their contribution to this wonderful production,
especially the children. You all portrayed each of your characters (and in most cases, multiple
characters) in true Dickensian style.
Not only was their a lot of people on stage, but there were as many behind the scenes , each
contributing to the success of the show (And, many of them too had multiple roles) – Costumes
(Stephanie Maston), Lighting & Sound (John Barker), Set Building & Painting (Tony
Clegg, John Barker, Andrew Horton, Leslie Hoyle, Amanda Shaw, Pam Leach), Props (John
Barker & Norma Jones). The smooth running of this complicated production was under the
auspices of the Stage Managers, James Jones-Tinley and Clive Sawyer.
I’ve always enjoyed the music at Burley’s shows, which is credit to the Musical Director, Tony
Clegg. The combination of guitar and violin, along with the trio of harpists, makes such a simple
yet highly effective accompaniment to the vocal arrangements on stage. Some of the harmonies
were absolutely wonderful to listen to, thanks to the vocal arrangements by Lauren Varley.
There was some joyous dancing during the show, particularly at the Fezziwigs Christmas party –
choreography by Ceris Manger.
Last, but by no means least the production was directed by Lisa Jones-Tinley and produced by
Amanda Clegg and Pam Leach. It’s challenging working with such a large cast with limited stage
facilities but you all worked wonders. Everybody on stage brought something to the production –
they could be heard and seen at all times. It’s not always easy moving so many people around on
a small stage. You should be very proud of the end product – it was a credit to the hard work
you’ve so obviously put in.
Thank you for a marvellous afternoon’s entertainment and reminding us about the true spirit of
Christmas.

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