Scrooge The Panto

Beverley’s adaptation of Dickens’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ to ‘Scrooge The Panto’ adding a Benenden twist was quite a challenge and together with husband MD Graham the afternoon came alive immediately and developed into an excellent team production.  Quality scenery was imaginative with an atmospheric Christmas Eve Scrooge office complete with high writing desk and two delightful  mice either side, notable interiors of the period, The Bull Inn and the magical sparkling winter village back cloth a credit.  Pure Dickensian costuming throughout but with Marley based on ‘Bob’ as a Jamaican Rastafarian character in clanking chains assisted by his Wailing Wailers in their spooky grey outfits and their multi coloured hats for the happy finale. Good comedy content to lighten a somewhat dark tale including good audience participation. This true village effort, using a big cast of all ages, good stage management under SM John Clarke told a slick story.  Special mention goes to the excellent Marley characterisation from Grant Matthews, to the three ages of Scrooge, a most beautifully spoken Freddie portrayed by Owen Mathews, and to real landlord Mark Barron Reid playing Meriweather singing his superb rendition of ‘Master of the House’ with strong support from Bonny Sullivan as Lucia.  Bob Barrow both looked and sounded the perfect Chafe Scratchit not forgetting Angela Patrick, adorned in white, who made a super Ambrosia.  The many other cameo roles and ensemble should not be forgotten as they gave their all.  Another Benenden panto success.

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