A Christmas Carol

 ‘A Christmas Carol’ certainly, with a twist ,written by the chair of PAG the programme advisory group of the theatre -  Ben Randall who started his career as a young comedian in Bexhill became a writer for children’s TV and who had a terrific success with ‘Whiskey and Soda’ at the Stables Theatre.

The scene is set by a lone violinist, the talented Richart Van Zyl, bowing a beautiful rendition of ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman’ some interesting musical choices both in solos and ensemble work and most surprisingly a number from ‘Hairspray’ – the upbeat ‘You can’t stop the motion of the ocean or the rain from above’ which all worked perfectly.

There was the dark side of course of to the Dicken’s story we have grown to love and how the mean-spirited Ebenezer is shown by the Ghosts of his old partner Marley, Christmas Past, Present and terrifying Christmas yet to come - the errors of his ways and that he can become a vastly different person. The exploration is very well told with its emotional difficulties by the community theatre experience of 30-odd cast members whose ages ranged from 12 – 84 with some wonderful Victorian characters brought to life by Neil as imaginative Director and experienced Lesley musically with the players, unseen at the side of stage, playing her musical arrangements. Some effective contrasts were shown, and I particularly liked the charity carol singers collecting for the needy in opposition to the rowdy beer-swilling pub occupants singing the same carol.

Under Set Build Manager Chris Lowe, the large team created the scene. The stage was atmospheric, dark, brick back, two brick flats, with tall  insets each side depicting both the Cratchit’s cast iron fireplace with shelving detailed marble surround,  mirror above, strategic lit candle one end doubling with Scrooge’s business house – the other side bookshelves, a pot of candles and other sundries. The overhead sign was swung and depicted where the entrance to the place of business was. Cast members carried on two raked writing desks with inkwell and quills placed back-to-back very discreetly, with struts and a plank, used for the Christmas meal and a fireside wooden chair. The Scrooge front door entrance was rolled on quietly and turned as was the amazing curtained four poster silently manoeuvred by the four young Sprites dressed in shades of white and beige who both excelled in script and voice. Again, the grave and headstone with the dark shadow behind silently placed and removed. Props and accessories were also particularly good. The important lighting plot from the hardworking lighting team gave an interesting aspect to the contrast of the dark day clothes and Scrooge’s change to bright white nightshirt and bed cap highlighted against the rich crimson colouring of the bedding and of course the sound effects gave a chill to the rooms.

Very good to see younger members learning the art. Video work must be commended – Remi Mercer also performing as a Sprite created an atmospheric walk through the Old Town and the use of bringing out the tombstones was also an interesting visual. Costumes of course for such a period in Dickensian London need much attention and this certainly was given – I particularly liked Jacob Marley’s outfit reminding me of  a Steam Punk look with Victoria Rowland in chains giving a powerful performance in both character and vocal. I think I’d liked to have seen much heavier chains as Scrooge lay under them at one stage supposedly holding him down! The use of the auditorium staircase for Nicola Dealtry to perform her solo was immersive and she looked stunning in the dark green gown with an illuminated headdress. An extra delight was the distribution of Humbugs from the Sprites to the audience and of course the finale snowballing. Imaginative direction from Neil with his eye for detail and balance and very well executed from the many members of the talented group.

Lighthearted moments came from the Fezziwig’s and their festivities, there were happy memories of school days with a loving sister Fan, played by Hana Bolton, and the regret of Ebenezer losing the love of his life Belle played by Jamie Kearne. His meanness in sacking his friend, in not allowing a payrise to long-suffering, loyal, hardworking with Reggie Regelous as Bob, making him double his time for asking to take his beloved poorly Emma Munro as Tiny Tim to watch the carol singers. Tamara Leggett was the loving mother of the Cratchit household. The cameo scene with the Undertaker, fencer of stolen goods and others going through Scrooge’s belongings. Nice touch with the bath chair. Peter Miller with his natural long hair and beard characterised the gigantic role of Ebenezer Scrooge – so athletic too as his persona changed from gold loving miser to reformed character, a sustained, solid performance in speech, vocals and facial expression.

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