A Christmas Carol

This version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens features music by Alan Menken and Lyrics/Book by Lynn Ahrens. The musical was performed annually at Christmas in the Madison Square Gardens Theatre from 1994 till 2003. On 7 December 2020 a staged concert opened in the Dominion Theatre, London during Covid19 when theatre was socially distanced but, due to Government’s Tier3 restrictions the run finished after a couple of weeks instead of January 2021.

Fortwilliam’s Set was minimal -  completely painted grey with a set of steps leading up to a narrow upper level. I can understand the effort to convey atmosphere, but it did present difficulties in lifting the mood in happier scenes. Lighting was basic with a lot of smoke utilised in dark mood. Music was tracked but set at a rather high volume, so it was often difficult to hear the words in dialogue and song. Costumes were very good with nice attention to detail - wigs, bonnets,  gloves, footwear, mop caps and top hats - especially the colours at ‘Fezziwig’s Ball’. The ghosts were impressive in costume, make-up and wigs, especially Christmas Present who looked fabulous with a holly wreath headpiece. However, Marley and friends’ chains did not look chunky enough to contain anyone – alive or dead – and Marley’s were a bit plastic!

There was a lovely atmosphere in the foyer before curtain up with Father Christmas and a small choir of costumed members who welcomed everyone, singing carols. The show opened with  “A Jolly Good Time” from the full company which established all the main characters (even the ghosts!)

From his first entrance Michael Rose played the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in an understated way but captured his cold temperament, selfish nature and bad temper.  As the ghosts came and went, he was reminded of his heartless financial tactics and had to face his past faults. It was good to see Michael gradually change and beg to be allowed to make amends. His ultimate transformation was delightful with a burst of joy and excitement for Christmas and show of generosity to those in need, engaging the audience in the spirit of redemption and celebration.

Jacob Marley - Scrooge’s former partner and prosperous businessman – was played by Sean Harkin. Now deceased and held in chains for penance, Marley was sorry for his greed and heartless ways.  Sean was convincing in his urge to stop his partner following the same path. “Link by Link” is a great number and was very well performed.

Hannah Ferguson literally lit up the stage as the ‘Ghost of Christmas Past’ with a beautifully delivered performance showing the joys and hardships of past years and a light up prop book. The ‘Ghost of Christmas Present’ was strongly performed by Kyle Emerson, with great vocals and a hearty laugh. His reveal of 2 waifs depicting “Ignorance and Want”, to remind Scrooge of the consequences of ignoring the needs of the poor, was very impactful. Ditanya McKinty was the ‘Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be’ and, with few words or vocals, her movement spoke with emotion.

The impoverished Cratchit family brought powerful meaning to the generosity of spirit to be found in their situation. Bob Cratchit (Jonathan Ardies), although bowed down by overwork, loved his wife (Emilia Johnson) and children (Martha – Annie McGlynn) and Tiny Tim – (SarahMcCallion/Matthew Loughrey) and was even willing to toast his unpleasant boss. Mrs Cratchitt was a generally ‘make do and mend” happy soul as was daughter Martha and Tiny Tim was a symbol of Hope in spite of his serious medical condition. Playing Ebenezer in his younger years, Jude Forsythe and then Conor Polley showed how Scrooge had been influenced by events to become cold and selfish - the early loss of his beloved sister Fran (Francessca O’Dornan/Ava Rose Gallagher) and the breaking of his engagement  to Emily (Lauren Galway) through of his overwhelming love of money.

Ross Chambers was a jolly Mr Fezziwig, who displayed the altruistic side of a wealthy businessman, and his wife (Jenny Johnson) who was equally pleasant, were very well cast. Scrooge’s only relative Fred (Pearce McFall) was patient and kind. The audience were delighted when he and his wife Sally (Amy McFall) reconnected after his uncle’s night visitors! Other named parts were well filled and the 20 plus Ensemble were fully engaged in the action and musical numbers were well harmonised.

Director Jim McGuigan brought out the best in his cast, and it was evident how much thought and hard work had gone into the production. There were some beautiful moments of sadness and of comedy. Jordan Rosborough’s choreography fitted perfectly to the levels of ability and, although the stage was small for such a large cast, it never felt overcrowded. I loved her red Christmas dancers in “Abundance and Charity”  who, although not a typical chorus line – absolutely rocked this number with energy and sass! Musical Director Ciara Bowman rehearsed her cast very well, and there was great solo singing. There are special difficulties with a tracked score, but Ciara operated it herself and conducted from the back of the auditorium wearing white gloves so that those on stage could see her! Great work!

My thanks go to everyone  involved in this lovely Christmas show and for the welcome and friendship afterwards. I’m sad that, as Fortwilliam M.S. have only recently returned to membership of Noda after a number of year’s break, it is me who is leaving! After 20 years as Noda Representative I am retiring but I can assure you that my successor Kerry Kane will look after you well.

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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