Scrooge The Musical

It was such a perfect choice,time of year and venue to perform this classic well loved story of “Scrooge” the Musical at the Manifest Theatre,

A cosy intimate feel for the audience to be taken back in time to a very different set of values at this time of year, and very encouraging to see younger cast members  totally absorbed in the plot.

Nigel Lister, playing Ebenezer Scrooge, was obviously suffering rather badly from cold and throat problems, but his change from his miserly existence to reminising of his past was touching and real and I enjoyed his character.

So many varied characters in this production.

The staging was put to good use with suitable props and furniture quickly being changed from scene to scene and it all fitted so well.

The staging of Jacob Marley and the Ghosts and the lighting effects were excellent ,with Lester Pearse as Marley, complete with his chains and various links to his profession when alive, and Lea Friend as the Ghost of Christmas Past, a very beautiful white lady in a very glamorous costume, and a jolly Ghost of Christmas Present from Adrian Bolton who looked just right in this part.   All the costumes were so good and different and the effects overall worked well.

Paul George as Harry/Young Ebenezer gave a committed performance to both roles and Anna Maria Hyman as Isabel/Helen looked very sweet and her songs were very well sung with a lovely tone.   Anna also showed real emotion in her dialogue very naturally.

John Roberts as Bob Cratchit together with his real life children as Tiny Tim and Martha Cratchit played by Albert and Dulcie Roberts made a truly convincing family. I must commend Dulcie and Albert for knowing all the songs, and adding a real delight with their appearance and performance on stage. Albert also brought a tear to the eye with his sweetly sung solo.

The party in Act 2 at Harry’s was led by Nigel and Amanda Rowe as Mr & Mrs Fezziwig in such a jolly fashion with everyone looking so happy it was brilliant, good to watch and hear the songs and dances.

All the many supporting players in such a variety of roles went along in the spirit of the show and with some jolly singing from the company, it felt like Christmas had started.

Great costumes, and good singing and support from Patience who worked her magic added much to this production.

Well done to Kerry as always bringing every ounce of meaning to the show and setting such a great standard from this hard working company.

It was a very good lead with this production going into the Pantomime season,

No doubt 2017 will be another season of  interesting productions to look forward to from the Manifest Theatre Company and I wish them well in all planned

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