A CHRISTMAS CAROL

There have been many versions of this classic Christmas story by Charles Dickens, and this musical really set people in the right mood for the start of the ‘count down’ to Christmas. It was evident from the full houses that this piece was a popular choice and the audience savoured every minute of this production.

Set and backcloths were well chosen, with experienced stage crew moving trucks and props with precision. Costumes were pertinent to the period and gave that traditional Christmas card feeling to the whole production. Cast and chorus were well rehearsed in all musical numbers, and choreography well thought out. Alex Oakey as Charles Dickens was the right choice to open and close the piece.

The large cast was led by the incomparable Mike Clarke, as Ebeneezer Scrooge. Mike immersed himself in this character from his first entrance, taking full advantage and excavating every mood to the last detail of this controversial character. The portrayal of the skinflint miser was nothing less than perfection in both dialogue, and the wordy musical numbers. An emotional and thought provoking characterisation – brilliant!

Andrew Bond revelled in the role of Jacob Marley, and at this point, I must congratulate the Make up Team for their expertise and detail. Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come, were dilligently played by Aimee Breakwell, Jonathan Davies and Andy Deacon respectively, whilst Alex Oakey as Mr Fezziwig  and Julie Breakwell as Mrs Fezziwig portrayed the jovial pair down to a tee.

Lovely performance from Gareth McMurdo as Bob Cratchit, Ebeneezer’s nervous downtrodden clerk, yet bringing out the character of the devoted family man, with many tender moments. Jodie Breakwell as Mrs Cratchit kept the  family in order, with Cassie Boxall, Steffan Evans and Emily Simpson as Martha, Peter and Belinda Cratchit, doing all that was asked of them. I saw a tender performance from Harvey Lloyd as Tiny Tim, and I understand William Shaw gave an equally compassionate portrayal of the youngest member of the family in other performances. Superb singing from all the Cratchit children.

Chris Clarke and Gaenor James were a dynamic duo as Mrs Dilber and Mrs Filch, Ebeneezer’s housekeepers. Blending well in their musical numbers, they brought out the comedy lines in the script which were well received by the audience. Minor roles were well cast with Elliot Hopkins as Young Scrooge, Lex Urry as Young Marley, and Josephine Bowen as Belle contributing to the success of the piece.

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