Scrooge

There was certainly a buzz in the packed audience while we waited for our evening’s entertainment to begin. The excellent program indicated a range of ages were going to provide our entertainment this evening and the list of nine chaperones' names indicated this was going to be truly a community project. And so it was proved to be – an integrated, joyful, slick and super entertainment. 

I have no idea of the space backstage – but they must have used every square inch to perfection. Entrances and exits had no obvious problems – and if there were - the audience was not aware. 

The scene changes on the bare stage were cleverly managed in full view of the audience but strangely weren’t intrusive – well done to the stage-management team led by Linda Kelly, Stage Manager.

Guy Wade playing Ebenezer Scrooge inhabited the lead part with confidence throughout, assigning a sense of superiority and disregard rather than the vocally grumpy and mean character we usually associate with ‘Scrooge’. The younger Scrooges involved in the retro journey through Scrooge’s life were well played; Elian Holmes as young Scrooge in 1810 and Ben Jones in 1825. 

As I am writing this I am overwhelmed by the size of the cast – while watching the play I had no sense of the confusion bearing in mind the size of the company that was providing our entertainment. Val Masey – Costume Design, and Sue Gower, Rachel Hasbury in managing the costumes did enormously well – particularly because of the size of the cast! Everyone was managed superbly – more amazing on reflection than on the actual evening when everything went so smoothly. So truly the team that marshalled behind stage really does deserve enormous congratulations. 

Jo Andrews – Director and of course the whole company, both performing and supporting off stage, really captured a little bit of magic this evening. Amazing entertainment from an awe-inspiring team. Please do not be disappointed not to be mentioned by name – you were all amazing and I hope this experience will have given you joy and something you will always remember with great fondness. Fabulous!

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