Ebenezer - The night before Christmas

Christmas is coming and we can all do with some seasonal cheer; so, it was with great pleasure that I joined a very expectant audience at the Caldicot School Hall, for the Caldicot Musical Theatre Societies production of Ebenezer[The night before Christmas].

This wonderful tale as told by Charles Dickens has thrilled old and young alike for many a Christmas season, but somehow this society managed to capture the spirit of the story in a way that brought their audience into the performance to enjoy every moment.

My congratulations to the whole production team along with Director Amy Gibbs Musical Director Gareth Williams and Choreographer Cathy Geary. A superb production.

Matthew Geary as Scrooge gave us the most excellent characterisation, that did not falter throughout the performance. Clarity of speech, good facial, and physical expression; always so vital to this role.

Nick Skinner as Jacob Marley gave a superb interpretation of this iconic figure. So expressive and so chilling. The facial expression and body language were giving us the character we all imagine. Very well done.

Our Christmas Past, Present and Future. Beautifully portrayed and looked wonderful. Mellissa Blenkiron as Christmas Past. Beautifully executed, almost surreal. Perfect casting.

Andrew Rigden as Christmas Present was a joy to watch, excellent characterisation, played with real warmth.

Alice Major as Christmas Future clearly shows how less can be more than enough. Great body language and movement. A distinct role that was very well portrayed.
Andy Ost as Bob Cratchit gave a very emotional and most believable performance. This was excellent casting; he was Bob Cratchit.

A lovely cameo from Carl Fielding and Heini Skinner as Mr and Mrs Fezziwig. Full of joy.

My congratulations to Mike Probert as the Narrator. This is not an easy role as the understanding of the story is carried by this performance. The audience listened and there can be no greater compliment. Well done.

I must congratulate the backstage team and set design. The staging was so much a part of the success of the production. The movement and changes within the performance was so effective and was so much a part of the story telling, especially the use of the runway into the audience. My respects to the production team.

The joy of the music and the warmth of the singing must be a major contribution to the success of this production and my sincere congratulations is for the band Dave Thompson and Mike Sunderland led by Musical Director Gareth Williams.

My congratulations to the whole cast and ensemble. A truly Joyous performance in every way

A Christmas gift given and performed in style. Happy Christmas and Bless us all.

Dianne Hayes NODA Wales and Ireland Regional Representative District 7

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.