Scrooge

It must be the Festive Season fast approaching, because the first of the Christmas themed shows has taken to the stage. This Society has chosen this well loved musical Christmas tale and brought the Dickensian era alive to the stage. Almost everyone knows the tale of the miser and the three Christmas Ghosts. The success of this show very much depends on its leading man so, step forward one George Hutchison. His was a masterful, well thought out characterization performance, bringing out his grumpy, miserly, crabby, attributes – then, when having been visited by the three Christmas Ghosts, it all changed and he became a jolly, happy, benevolent Ebenezer Scrooge. The “victim” of his miserly mission was one Bob Cratchit, his overworked, underpaid clerk who, along with his wife and family, attempts to make the best of what they have. Sandy Kennedy was superb as the meek, always looking on the bright side, fellow, alongside with his very understanding, and patient, wife (Lisa Gould), both bringing happiness and fun to their large family, despite not having much money and living in poverty. Scrooge’s troubles began with the ghostly (or ghastly!) visit from his former employer, a cursed Jacob Marley, looking like death warmed up and dragging many heavy chains – played with great relish by Alan Calder-McNicoll. Then, the first Ghost arrived – a resplendent Christmas Past - and Jill Davidson showed Scrooge his boyhood past. The best moment was when Mr and Mrs Fezziwig (George Anderson, Hazel Grieve) made their appearance to prove what Christmas was all about with their happy, cheerful, boisterous “December The 25th” ensemble number. Then a grandiose Christmas Present (a jolly festive Paul Campbell) arrived and, with it, all the happiness that is the Christmas spirit. At this time we met the Cratchit’s youngest son, crippled Tiny Tim – a tender performance from Charlie Clark showing his happy outlook on life and also a lovely young singing voice. Christmas Yet To Come arrived - a black cloaked, silent spirit bringing doom and despair and showing the sad times that lay ahead. However, Scrooge learned the error of his ways and did celebrate Christmas with his family among them his nephew Harry – a strong and capable Finlay McKillop, who also doubled as Young Scrooge. The production came over very well and the show’s tuneful “Thank You Very Much” was a great chorus song and dance led by a lively Tom Jenkins (David Newton) . . . and well done to all the young children for all their hard work.. Yup, Christmas is here and to “mis”quote Tiny Tim’s famous line . . . God bless Broughy, every one!

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