Miss Midler's Showcase

On a festive evening in December, “We Made it from Scratch Productions” presented a unique and heart-warming event titled “A Christmas Celebration and the Story of Chrissy Scrooge,” directed by Wayne Malcolm-Taylor whom I am personally thrilled to see back on the amateur theatre scene. The performance took place in a welcoming community setting, offering a delightful blend of theatre, music, and culinary experience. These are the newest group to the District 4 family with particular focus given to its originality, community spirit, and the evident success in promoting self-confidence and performance skills among its participants.  The performance was with collaboration with Stars Community CIC and aimed for confidence over perfection.

From the outset, it was clear that this was not a conventional Christmas show. We experienced a refreshing twist to festive storytelling, weaving together the familiar Dickensian theme with a modern narrative centred on “Chrissy Scrooge.”  The adaptation was both inventive and inclusive, offering opportunities for a diverse cast to shine. The show struck a fine balance between tradition and innovation, making it accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages. It was opened with Miss Midler’s Showcase introduced by Megan Brown as a host/compare and performing some delightful numbers accompanied by members of the cast, featured a kids disco in the interlude and finished with a take on the classic Christmas carol story.

The cast, comprising individuals from the local community, embraced their roles with enthusiasm and commitment. Notably, the ethos of “We Made it from Scratch Productions” was evident throughout: the encouragement of self-belief and confidence in performance. It was particularly uplifting to witness several cast members step into the spotlight, some for the very first time, exuding growing assurance as the night progressed.  Directors Wayne Malcoln-Taylor and Andy Oliver who also shared the role of the Narrator/Alan Carr did very well creating a foundation for this group to grow and shine.

Performances ranged from spirited musical numbers to heartfelt scenes, all delivered with palpable sincerity. The ensemble worked well together, demonstrating not only talent but also a genuine camaraderie which translated beautifully to the audience.  There were some beautiful individual performances notably from Stacey Deinali, Jess Gray and Megan Brown but also notably incredibly encouraging to less confident members of the cast which was beautiful to see.

What set this showcase apart was its strong sense of community. The event was more than a show; it was a celebration of togetherness, creativity, and mutual support. The audience was warmly welcomed and actively involved, fostering a sense of connection rarely achieved in more traditional theatre settings. The relaxed cabaret-style layout enhanced the convivial atmosphere, making everyone feel part of the celebration.

A highlight of the evening was the Christmas meal, which was as delicious as it was thoughtfully presented and served by the actors also performing. The food complemented the festive theme perfectly, and the communal dining experience further contributed to the sense of unity and celebration. The organisers are to be commended for integrating this element so seamlessly into the event.

“A Christmas Celebration and the Story of Chrissy Scrooge” was an unusual but thoroughly lovely event, exemplifying the power of community-driven theatre. Miss Midler and “We Made it from Scratch Productions” succeeded admirably in their aim of helping people discover confidence, self-belief, and a love for performance. The inventive format, combined with the inclusive ethos and delicious meal, created a memorable evening for all involved.  The well sung final number I found very poignant “Give me one moment in time, when I’m more than I thought I could be” and yes you all very much were.

It is recommended that the group continue to build upon this foundation, encouraging even more participation and perhaps exploring further opportunities for original storytelling and community engagement. This production stands as a testament to the joy and transformation that local theatre can bring, especially during the festive season.

 

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