A Christmas Carol

What an interesting and good adaptation Jean Clarke found and directed: good for the many cast who could participate in the singing of the carols which filled in between the play scenes.
 As Ebenezer Scrooge, Gerry Robins was a very strong and dominant performer (and how he managed to learn this role so soon after the recent play is beyond me) bringing out the cold-hearted character through the many scenes: miserable and miserly into fearful for the future and then into reformed person, excellent.
 David Ross doubled roles with style: as the chain-loaded Jacob Marley in frightening appearance and predicting doom, and then in total contrast in joyful style as Mr Fezziwig and life of party; and well supported by the Mrs Fizzywig from Val Newell.
The Cratchitt Family led by Paul Reynolds as the brow-beaten Bob, and his wife (Cheryl Collings), daughters Issy Duckmartin and Georgia Pearce, and of course the aah-factor Tiny Tim from Jake Stewart (very clear voice) gave the other side of the coin from wealth of money but not lacking in that of love and family, presented the heart-warming message of the story.
In fine fettle and sometimes quite boisterous mood, a very strong performance from Neil Ellson as Fred Scrooge, the nephew, and with his wife (Judy Ellson) this couple had the joy of Christmas and social life party upon them. And in these lighter moments of social history, some good performances from the younger members of the play element: Teen Scrooge from Freddie Gatfield, Belle from Yasmin Macklin-Page, and Tupper from Joshua Hinds: the future looks bright for the group with them in house.
The all-important roles of the three ghosts were in good hands and well presented: Christmas Past from Charlotte Waller, Christmas Present from Pauline Robins, and Christmas Future from Pam Tidd: totally contrasting portrayals and costumes and each their own special interpretation.
This cast of 26 of all ages who played all the roles (major and minor) with aplomb and sang the many Christmas carols throughout (unaccompanied) really entered the spirit of the piece and came across well in this delightful pre-Christmas entertainment.

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