SCROOGE The Musical

SCROOGE The Musical, Book, Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse first performed in 1992 and adapted from the 1970 musical film Scrooge starring Albert Finney and a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Nora Howcroft’s production certainly makes you feel all Christmassy: the scene was set with enough hints in staging to give you the flavour of the time with Scrooge’s work place, the town, his bedroom, Bob Cratchit’s house and various other scenes. There were some problems with the large impressive bed getting it on and off the stage, but Scrooge managed to cover this.

I thought the scene at the end with all the shop door signs, opening on to stage with fairy lights was very effective.

Sound - Lea Royce and Elodie Perrier and Lighting - Norman Bowers and John Cocking add depth: I personally would have liked it darker in some of the scene changes, but that’s just my preference. Wardrobe by Mary Pyecroft looked really good and well thought out with Make-up by Sulwyn Mann and Team and Hair also adding to the feel.

Vicki Wilson as Choreographer had a challenge moving a big cast around on a relatively small stage and she accomplished this by keeping it simple but effective. Musical Director Tim Power worked his usual magic leading the Orchestra. The Ensemble worked well together and looked to be having fun (I did see some people stood in the wings, just need to be aware of sight lines for the audience).

Steve Benson playing Ebenezer Scrooge rose to the task and was rarely off the stage, having to sing and at various times undress or change clothes - no mean feat! We see a mean old man with a heart of steel melt before our eyes. I loved his moment singing A Better Life, it really moved me. His wig and attire all combined to make his character come to life – credit to Wardrobe as well as the actor! It was great to see his part delivered with a light touch of comedy aswell as a whole gamut of emotions – well played, Steve!

Eileen Reeves as Jocelyn Jollygoode and Mrs Fezziwigg showing you can have cameo roles and certainly make an impression - I loved her characterisations and in particular her facial expressions as Mrs Jollygoode - it immediately gave you a flavour of who she is.

Mike Taylor playing Jacob Marley certainly made an impact with his costume, hair and chains, looking like he had been dragged through a hedge backwards and eerie voice – perfect!

Christmas Past played by Julie Odgen, looked elegant and mysterious as she took Scrooge on a journey and later on revealing who she really was to Scrooge. Her song Love While You Can was simply beautiful.

Joe Davies playing the Punch and Judy Man and Mr Fezziwig - talk about an actor bringing on energy and vava-voom - can I have some of what he is on please - fabulous!

The Cratchits, playing the honest simple family, happy with their lot, worked well together: the younger children - Tiny Tim played by Harry Cain and Kathy Cratchit played by Holly Reevell - were a delight.

The rest of the cast collaborated effectively to portray their characters in true Dickensian manner - a credit to Nora.  Well done to cast and crew – the show left you with a warm feeling, I felt like I wanted to come home to a sherry and a mince pie. Thank you for making my guest and I feel so welcome.

 

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