Scrooge

It was so nice to go to the theatre and see a show that I hadn’t seen before, or knew a lot about. However, after watching Wombwell Operatic Societies production of Scrooge the musical, I’m well and truly in the festive sprit. 

I must congratulate the director, Ian Stead for some very imaginative and contemporary staging of the classic Christmas tale. Scrooge has so many scene changes, but with Ian’s clever direction and lighting ideas the set changed with ease. One particular piece of direction/Choreography I liked was the Cratchit family looking through the windows of the different shops and seeing the Doll in the corner. Excellently done. The costumes, also supplied by the director, were wonderful and colourful.

The show is a must for any society who perform around Christmas time and has a large and dedicated ensemble. The ensemble in this show must be applauded. They were hardly ever off stage, and when they were, they were either gathering props or changing costumes. The singing from both the ensemble and principals was first rate, with some lovely harmonies. The dancing was simple and effective.

Now for a Society to pick Scrooge as their show, need to have the perfect performer to play the part. Wombwell must have jumped for joy when Michael Parker entered the audition room. Michael wasn’t just good in this role, he was exceptional. From his first entrance, Michael portrayed the role of the miserable miser with such brilliance, his performance could have graced the professional stage. Michael was well supported by Les Smith (Mr Fezziwig) Sue Gent (Mrs Feziwig) Noel Molyneux (Harry) and Sally Bembridge (Isabel). The role of Tiny Tim was played by Cameron Fletcher, This young actor sang and performed with a maturity beyond his years. I was also told that Ava Griffiths, who shares the role with Cameron, is equally as good.

Josephine Owen played the role of Tom Jenkins and performed with great style, particularly in the show’s most popular number ‘Thank You Very Much’.

Scrooge is of course, visited by three ghosts. Past, Present and the Future. All three ghosts appear to Scrooge to try and teach him the error of his ways. Marilyn Sykes made a wonderful Ghost of Christmas Past, playing the role with so much warmth and compassion. Tom Barlow has a commanding presence on stage and performed the Ghost of Christmas Present with great ease. Barbara Bryars has the most difficult job out of all the ghosts, as the Ghost of Christmas yet to come doesn’t have any lib to say, but  Barbara managed to convey all what she was ‘saying’ with great gestures.

If I had one slight criticism, it would be that at times the sound was a little low, which sometimes made it a little difficult to hear what the cast was saying.

Congratulations to all involved in this great production, it has certainly started off the festive season with great style. Merry Christmas to you all.  

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