Farndale------Christmas Carol

In spite of my aversion to the series, I have to say that I laughed! So all credit to Jimpy Casson for exploiting the humour.
 As Mrs Reece, Susie Jowett was perfect in the role (think played in a previous play) as she maintained her ‘in charge but struggling with group’ character to the full with her interaction with all the rest of the cast plus playing the various roles within the play itself, including Tiny Tim.
Meryl Anderson as Thelma (and hence Scrooge) was outstanding in her role, true professionalism in all aspects and such clarity of diction a master-class, a huge part to maintain and interact with others and extract the prima donna humour with her almost OTT acting.
Brian Grindley as Gordon: what a piece of luck to have such a talent move into the village! He had so many roles as the hapless stage manager of the on-stage Farndale play and general stand-in, and what great timing and fast changes of character, great fun.
Bella Chirodian as Dawn with the plastered foot and back problems creating havoc at some instances with slow speed also had so many character changes to add to her Bob Cratchit.
And the Felicity of Louise Casson in her many guises, particularly that amazing huge snowman in opening sequence, plus outgoing Fred, and of course half a ghost (with the hapless Brian) for ‘Christmas Present’ (and other smaller roles) showed off her talents and timing.
Sally Elvin as Maureen the ‘Ghost to Come’ in that delightful costume so appropriate for a Farndale and Fizzy Thomas as Phyllida filled in the rest of the dialogue situations and added to the general chaos of the play.
Just loved the singing talents of Daphne (Darina Stapley) to cover all those scene changes with her selection of songs of Christmas music: good choice and presented with aplomb to break the dialogue.
And mentioning the set, well realised and the many changes featured the stage crew working hard and efficiently. And also a feature at New Buckenham, those outstanding ‘black and whites’ in the foyer from photographer Charles Oxley.
So I survived and enjoyed a Farndale, well done!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.